Pacific Union Recorder - January 2014

recorder PACIFIC UNION

CONNECTING THE PACIFIC UNION ADVENTIST FAMILY >> JANUARY 2014

LSU ANNOUNCES TWO

Presidential Scholarship

WINNERS ... PAGE 24

CONTENTS 19 27-32 14 10-11 25 15-18 22-23 24 20-21 7-9 12-13 4-6 27 26

about the cover

Adventist Health Advertising Arizona Central California Church State Council Conference Newsletters Hawaii La Sierra University Loma Linda Northern California Southeastern California Southern California Sunsets Union News

Josephine Simorangkir (left) and Nicqelle Godfrey are La Sierra University’s 2013 Presidential Scholars.

PHOTO BY

recorder PACIFIC UNION

Recorder Staff

Editor / Layout & Design

Alicia Adams — alicia@puconline.org

Publisher

NATAN VIGNA

Gerry Chudleigh — gerry@puconline.org

Administrative Assistants

Sali Butler — commdept@puconline.org Sharon Edwards —sharon@puconline.org

Printing

Pacific Press Publishing Association www.pacificpress.com

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The Recorder is a monthly publication reaching approximately 76,000 Seventhday Adventist homes in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah.

Our mission is to inform, educate and inspire our readers to action in all areas of ministry.

Editorial Correspondents Arizona 480-991-6777

Phil Draper — phildraper@azconference.org

Central California 559-347-3000

Costin Jordache — cjordache@cccsda.org

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Hawaii 808-595-7591

Jesse Seibel — jesseseibel@gmail.com

Nevada-Utah 775-322-6929 Northern California 925-685-4300 Stephanie Leal — sleal@nccsda.com

Southeastern California 951-509-2200

Enno Müller — communications@seccsda.org

Southern California 818-546-8400

Betty Cooney — bcooney@sccsda.org

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Adventist Health 916-781-4756

Divya Joseph — divya.joseph@ah.org

La Sierra University 951-785-2000 Larry Becker — lbecker@lasierra.edu

Loma Linda 909-558-4526

Susan Onuma — sonuma@llu.edu

Pacific Union College 707-965-6303 Cambria Wheeler — cammie@puc.edu

Postal Regs: The Pacific Union Recorder (ISSN 0744-6381), Volume 114,

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Number 1, is the official journal of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventhday Adventists, and is published monthly. Editorial office is at 2686 Townsgate Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91361: 805-497-9457. Periodical postage paid at Thousand Oaks, CA, and additional mailing offices. Subscription rate: No charge to Pacific Union Adventist church members; $12 per year in U.S.; $16 foreign (U.S. funds); single copy, $0.85. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Circulation Department, Pacific Union Recorder, Box 5005, Westlake Village, CA 91359.

GOD TRUST IN

President’s Perspective

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appy New Year! Greetings one and all on this first issue of the Pacific Union Recorder for 2014.

While the year is new, we remain fully engaged in the age-old spiritual battle, the great controversy between God and Satan. Knowing that the Bible accurately predicts that God will eventually triumph, we continue to focus our energies in the here and now, daily living under the blood-stained banner of Jesus Christ, the captain of the Lord’s host.

The battle rages on as long as time continues in this earth. While to some, things look grim under the present circumstances, we have hope for the future based on Jesus’ promises. He gives us courage and strength to daily live out the life He lived while on planet Earth.

No matter what may occur in 2014, we are assured of a primary fact: God is with us.

Jesus promised as part of what is known as the Great Commission that He would be with us to the end.

Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20, NASB).

The commission of course includes the reminder that Jesus assigns His disciples clearly: they (we) are to make disciples of all persons in all geographical locations, to baptize them in the three-fold name of God, and to continue to teach his commands. The conclusion of the Great Commission reminds us of God’s presence.

All throughout Scripture, God reminds us of his presence, which is the ultimate antidote to fear. Consider Isaiah 41, verse 10: “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States of America, said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Ellen White said, “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (Life Sketches, 196).

There is hope only in the Lord. Satan seeks to instill fear in our hearts, trying to get us to look away from the true source of all our help — Jesus.

It is in Jesus that we find our security and our help. Not in organizations, networks, money or any other earthly source. God says, “Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:22).

The prophets in antiquity proclaimed the one and only true source of help: the Lord.

This year may prove to be progressively worse than last year. And who knows in minute detail how our future will develop? We remember that as we draw nearer to the Second Coming of Jesus, a time of trouble come.

An old bluegrass gospel song has a line that said, “Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand, but I know who holds tomorrow, And I know who holds my hand...” (“I Know Who Holds Tomorrow,” Ira Stanphill).

While mayors and governors govern, and the president and congress debate, one thing is sure: our source of confidence is constant. We must daily turn to the one true source of comfort, the Eternal God. I watched the news this morning and the lead story was the horrendous weather hitting the East Coast of the United States. This reminded me that a spiritual-economic-political storm will one day grip the entire world. We don’t know when it is going to arrive, but many believe it is “just around the corner.” Maybe it is coming our way in 2014, maybe not.

Whenever it does arrive, we can rest assured it will not surprise God Who rules over all; and if we are secure in Him, we will be prepared for it.

The late evangelist-author E.E. Cleveland ended many of his sermons by saying, “Trust, dear friend, in God.” Let us do just that, drawing closer to him each day of 2014, and our future will be secure.

Ricardo Graham January 2014

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Southern California Conference CBL young adult team leader holds aloft the first-place trophy the team won recently. The team includes Berean members and community residents. The CBL teen team won second-place.

BETTY COONEY

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Southern California Conference

Church Reaches Out, Sharing Bread and Shooting Hoops

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CHARRON RICKS

Former Berean member Anita Mackey reminisced about Berean activities that were important to her when she attended. “I remember the early Sabbath morning classes in the Spirit of Prophecy,” she recalled. “The class encouraged folks to add the books they discussed to their library, and now I have CBL teams come together for prayer and unity at the beginning of each game. one of the largest libraries around of books by Ellen White!” Mackey Lloyd, first elder. “We are taking food to 155 also expressed appreciation for the emphasis on families now, and serving a monthly meal to young people knowing good manners. nearly 40 community residents.”

“The Berean church has been a lighthouse for Since 2011, basketball has been another the Lord in the community for the last 50 years,” Berean church community service and outreach. said Hart. “God has used this congregation Stephen Young coordinates teams named for to proclaim His last-day message of love and books of the Bible for about 50 young men, mercy to thousands because of the evangeranging in age from earliteen to 30. Some listic efforts and community service of Berean players have been in gangs. A number of players members. have signed up for Bible studies.

“That community outreach continues today,” “Christian Basketball League (CBL) is a he added. “Each quarter, we have a health nonprofit ministry of our church,” said Young. “It Young people such as trombonists (l. to r.) Josh Sabbath. On that day, we don’t have a sermon embraces the vision of working together with Young and Donovan Corbin were featured in the 50th anniversary celebration program.

— we go to the community instead. We go the community, thus providing opportunities with health and Bible for skills-building, fun, friendship, competition literature from door and spiritual development. to door in the church “As a local elder, I have seen how God has neighborhood.” For blessed CBL with great success and developseniors or those who ment toward reaching their goals of fellowship, can’t walk, Ed Cabil, sportsmanship and leadership training,” Young the Health Ministry noted. “CBL is a unique league, incorporating director, shares a pre- Bible studies with players, prayers before each sentation on health in game, sportsmanship after each game, treating the church. each player with respect; motivating players Community service and showing them appreciation. CBL is honored is a priority, as well. and committed to be a part of the church’s mis“For several years, sion to preach the everlasting gospel of the Lord the church has been in all the world.” distributing boxes and bags of food to local Betty Cooney Community residents select groceries that the Berean church distributes regularly. people,” said Calvin

CHARLES MAPLES

CHARRON RICKS

erean church members chose “We Shall Behold Him” as the theme of hope for their 50th anniversary celebration, held Oct. 4-5, 2013. Previous pastors Marc Woodson, James L. Kyle II and Michael B. Kelly II presented the messages for the weekend.

“Our 50th anniversary was a celebration of God’s loving-kindness in preserving this church family and its missionary service of relieving the physical and mental needs of the poor and the afflicted, while working for the salvation of souls,” reflected Homer Hart, the current senior pastor.

January 2014

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Southern California Conference

Broadcaster Advocates for Jesus and His Children in L.A.

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arry Bey is an Adventist who is widely known by city officials, Adventists, and homeless people and gang members in Los Angeles. With his extra bold personality and a big heart for people, he ministers to people in all parts of society. Bey is a radio broadcaster, and his talk shows — as well as his personal encounters in the community — focus on providing resource information on abuse and other issues for the public.

Christian Zamora is one of many individuals Bey has helped. “I was born and grew up in the streets of Los Angeles,” said Zamora. “At age 14, I joined a tagging crew and I thought I was untouchable, but I was wrong. I got in a lot of trouble; guns were drawn on me, multiple times. I was lost.

“My mom was worried about the path I was taking, so she called her friend Harry Bey. He came down hard on me about gang life, saying that my life was not worth being lost like my best friend’s had. He was shot five times and died at age 15. Harry talked to me for nearly five hours. The stuff he said sank in. So the next day, I left the tagging crew, stopped dressing like a gangster, and I became me again.”

Friends from all walks of life are quick to affirm the good that Bey has been doing in Los Angeles with the homeless, disadvantaged and prostitutes, as well as through Project GANGS, his volunteer gang agency.

“My heroes are the veterans, teachers, police, firemen and others who are helping in the community,” said Bey.

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L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca thanked Bey for his work in a tribute. “Harry, you’re the voice that keeps the subject of gangs in the minds and hearts of people who need to hear what is being said. Thank you for all the outstanding work you do for people throughout Los Angeles County,” Baca said.

Bey broadcasts on KRLA 870 AM, hosting a two-hour call-in show featuring a wide range of topics and resources to help “I tell my listeners where to go and who to ask for the the many population help that they need,” Bey explained. segments to whom he has been ministering on Los Angeles streets for the problem by attending a Reversing Diabetes decades. weekend. Following the recommended lifestyle On his open-forum show titled “Harry Bey program, Bey lost 75 pounds, began walking for USA,” Bey interviews people from community exercise and, his doctor affirmed, reversed his resource organizations that help people deal diabetes. With his health improved, Bey went with addictions and a wide range of human on with his work in the city. issues. He also speaks with religious and other “Our community is a better place because community leaders who provide inspiration and of Bey’s work in gang protection and assisting opportunities for people to move forward from the homeless,” said Richard Roethler, director of dark places in their lives.

SCC’s West Region.

“The intent of Harry’s radio show has been to “Harry will drop whatever else he is doing to make Jesus a driving force of change in society,” help someone in need,” said Brad Stenberg, a said Gerard Kiemeney, director of Southern marriage and family counselor and a friend of California Conference’s L.A. Metro Region. “Harry Bey’s. “He does what he can to help people get deals with issues most of us would avoid, and up on their feet and take responsibility for their he does it in a very real, in-your-face manner, lives.” tempered with compassion and care.”

“His word is golden. He stands up for what’s “I have worked for 48 years with no vacation,” right, and he stands up for his faith,” said Bey reported, “Even though I have a nonreliZamora. “I’ve seen him stand up to people with gious show, I openly praise God at the beginguns and knives to save lives — he doesn’t ning and close of each program.” Bey, whose back down for anybody! He’s the Wyatt Earp of diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes a year ago threat- L.A. streets!” ened to curtail his community service projects and other contacts with the public, dealt with Betty Cooney

Northern California Conference

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nce again, the Northern California Conference’s African-American Convocation was a spiritual feast. The theme for the 35th annual event, held Oct. 11-12, was “Christ’s Method Alone” — from a passage in Ellen White’s book The Ministry of Healing (page 143). Held at the Stockton Mayfair church and the Stockton Christian Life Center, the convocation emphasized that 21st century Christians must follow the paradigm of Jesus as they reach out to others.

The weekend speaker was R. Clifford Jones, associate dean of the SDA Theological Seminary and professor of Christian ministry. The speaker for the youth meetings was Garrett Anderson, Oakland Market Street church assistant pastor.

(Younger children had their own age-appropriate meetings, as well.) Committed, a contemporary a cappella singing group of six Adventist men, provided music throughout the weekend.

In addition to the diverse offerings of song, testimony and the spoken word, meeting and greeting were integral parts of the convocation

Committed sings for the divine worship service at the convocation.

experience. “I always look forward to the fellowship,” said Andrea Smith, Stockton Mayfair church member. “And I love hearing from my brothers and sisters how God has blessed them since the last time we saw each other.”

The convocation began on Friday evening at the Stockton Mayfair church. Committed presented a musical appetizer for the evening meal — Jones’s message. His sermon was a contemporary retelling of Christ’s interaction with the woman at the well — a woman known for her beauty and pursued by many, only to be hurt and disparaged, until she met Jesus at the well.

The next day’s events were held at the Stockton Christian Life Center, beginning with the Morning Manna service for early risers.

Sabbath school followed, with the Olde Tyme Religion singers belting harmonious melodies of yesteryear. Antonio Watkins, Oakland Elmhurst church deacon, facilitated the adult lesson study.

The divine worship service was a welcome table of praise, including the Sacramento Capitol City and Vallejo Berea churches’ praise teams, led by DeBrina Williams. Jones delivered the message, “When the Odds Say No.” Using the story of the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:1-13), he reminded his listeners that Jesus’ ministry always attracted people. Christ’s method teaches Christians to first be concerned with a person’s physical and emotional well-being and then their spiritual welfare.

PHOTOS BY SYKES PHOTOGRAPHY & DIGITAL DESIGN

NCC African-American Convocation Offers a Spiritual Banquet

Oakland Market Street church Assistant Pastor Garrett Anderson speaks to the youth.

At the young people’s meeting, Anderson’s message, “Take Me to the King,” challenged them to come into the presence of God so that they can know His transforming power in their lives. Rio Clifford Jones, Lindo Adventist Acad- R. associate dean of emy student Jael Han- the SDA Theological sen was excited to hear Seminary and professor of Christian ministry, the message. “Pastor gives the message “When Anderson’s passion for the Odds Say No.” God has motivated me to read my Bible every day,” she said.

Committed, the group that won season two of the television show “The Sing Off,” presented an evening concert. A social for the young at heart ended a Sabbath that reverberated with worship.

“The entire day was awesome and a blessing,” said Tim Jones, Sacramento Capitol City church elder.

Encouraged, inspired and empowered, those who attended this year’s convocation left believing that if they choose to follow Christ’s method alone, God will use them to lead others to Him.

Audrey Weir-Graham January 2014

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Northern California Conference

Long-time NCC Educator Jim Retzer Leaves a Lasting Legacy

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF PARADISE ADVENTIST ACADEMY

uring a career in education that spanned more than 40 years, Jim Retzer positively influenced the lives of countless students, parents, colleagues and summer campers. Many of them paid tribute to Retzer — most recently a seventh grade teacher at Paradise Adventist Academy — on Facebook (The Jim Retzer Memorial Page).

What emerges from the posts is a portrait of a man who truly loved teaching and enjoyed the company of his students — an educator who had the unique ability to be kind and fun, while also motivating young people to give their all. “He always told me that I’m not who I really am unless I give it a hundred and ten percent … because I could achieve anything if I was my own person,” wrote PAA sophomore Andrew Bertain.

Doing one’s best was a common theme throughout Retzer’s career as a teacher and principal. “If things weren’t going well, he would encourage us not to give up, trust in God, and to do our best no matter what,” wrote Sheryl French, Retzer’s former student at Echo Ridge Christian School.

Retzer especially enjoyed introducing his students to outdoor recreation, including waterskiing, horseback riding, hiking, backpacking,

Jim Retzer served as an educator in three conferences.

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During his four decades in Adventist education, Jim Retzer instilled a love of the outdoors in many of his students by leading backpacking trips.

canoeing, organized sports and cycling. In recent years, he motivated his seventh grade class to participate in the annual Chico Wildflower — a 100-mile bicycle ride. “His enthusiasm for the students and the outdoors was an unbeatable combination,” said PAA registrar Brenda Muth. “He had much compassion for each individual student and inspired many of them to accomplish goals that they thought were too difficult.”

Retzer was a product of Adventist education.

After graduating from Mountain View Academy, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Pacific Union College in 1969. (He later received a master’s degree from PUC in 1974.) He served as a teacher in the Colorado and Central California conferences for a decade before coming to work in the Northern California Conference in 1981.

He served as a principal at three NCC schools: Echo Ridge Christian School, Pacific Union College Preparatory School and — from 1989 to 1998 — at PAA. “He hired me here at Paradise in 1990, and I appreciate his mentoring of me as a young teacher just starting out,” said current PAA Principal Lance Taggart. Retzer then returned to the classroom, teaching at Feather River Adventist School before returning to PAA

as a teacher in 2002. “He touched many lives over his time here,” said Taggart.

People remember Retzer not only for his work at Adventist schools, but also at Redwood Creek and Wawona summer camps, where he wrangled the horses and was famous for singing cowboy songs. “[A]s we would file into the camp bowl, his voice often led the way with ‘Ghost Riders in the Sky’ or ‘Rollin’, Rollin’, Rollin’, Keep those Wagons Rollin’!” wrote Esther White, a former Wawona camper.

Retzer’s life sets a high bar for all the people who felt his influence. “RIP Mr. Retzer,” wrote Jeff Ochs, a fellow cycling enthusiast. “It was always awesome to see your seventh graders finishing the Honey Run climb in the Wildflower. You provided a big draft for your students to follow.”

Retzer is survived by his wife, Marti, his sons, Greg and Travis, and his daughter-in-law Jacqueline. His family requests that contributions in his memory be made to The Jim Retzer Worthy Student Fund. For more information, e-mail info@mypaa.net.

Julie Lorenz

Northern California Conference

January 2014

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Central California Conference

Mariposa Adventist Community Hosts Hallowed House Walk-Through

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ast fall at the Central California education retreat, Pastor Stephen Eastwood accepted the challenge to do something significant and great. Following 18 months of strategic planning and the physical labor of many volunteers, the Hallowed House event debuted in the Mariposa community as a joint venture of the Mariposa Seventh-day Adventist Church and Elementary School.

“Halloween is a very big deal in the town of Mariposa, and because lots of adults, teens and children stroll past our school playground on Halloween, we knew we had to capitalize on this [outreach] opportunity.” shared Eastwood.

“I have felt called for a long time to reach [those] that our typical evangelistic efforts don’t usually reach. I really wanted this to work.”

Between 4 and 8 p.m. on Halloween, 276 costumed men, women, teens and children from the community walked through the Hallowed House. First, the guests were ushered into a lush replica of the Garden of Eden. Once inside, they were instructed they could have any candy they wanted except for the candy on the tree in the middle. A talking puppet snake would come out and tempt them. Eventually, somebody from every group would reach out

and take the forbidden candy. This act of disobedience would result in the group being banished from the garden by angels.

Volunteer church members, dressed as Bible characters, guided them to the second station, the tabernacle, complete with full-scale replicas of the Holy Place furniture. There, the high priest, played

by Mariposa member A visiting group is banished from the Garden of Eden.

Dan Haines, described Jesus’ yearning to reconnect with His children White’s The Great Controversy were distributed.

— as symbolized by the sanctuary furniture “You could tell this one young boy really wanted and rituals — to the audience. to win the youth version of The Great ControAt the final station, guests watched a live versy, so we let him have a second chance to debate between Satan, played by Mariposa win,” recalls Principal Judi Wagner. “He looked sixth-grader Gracie Pasoya, and Jesus, played so excited when he finally won.”

by Eastwood. Guests watched attentively as Like many smaller schools, Mariposa has the two opponents discussed their perspechad its share of financial challenges. By the end tives about fairness, how the plan of salvation of the 2012-13 school year, church and school works and why bad leaders had reached the unfortunate conclusion things happen to good that they would have to permanently close the people. They fought school in order to be fiscally responsible. over a crew member School board chair Sharon Walker decided to who had been placed take the issue to God in prayer. “About this time, in the audience, much our church began a segment during second in the way that Satan service called Church at Prayer,” explains Walker. fights for one soul “We started praying that God would send us seeking refuge in enough enrolled students so we could keep our Jesus. The audience school open.” In the months to come, the necesfollowed every detail sary funds came through. of the presentation As a result, the school is able to continue closely. building bridges to the community through As guests helped events such as the Hallowed House. There are no themselves to refresh- Adventist students currently enrolled at Mariments, they were posa’s school, and the church is eager to partner encouraged to enter with the school to meet the needs of the coma raffle for books and munity as well as the students themselves. literature. More than The high priest describes the sanctuary model to Dorothy.

200 copies of Ellen Carolann De Leon

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Central California Conference

Central California Welcomes New Team Members

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he Central California Conference welcomes two new team members at its ministry headquarters. President Ramiro Cano recently announced the appointment of Andrew Uyeyama as director of senior youth and young adult ministries and Costin Jordache as vice president for communication.

Andrew Uyeyama

Andrew Uyeyama’s contributions in youth work, and most recently, as pastor of the Hanford church, have provided a solid foundation for his new role. He was instrumental during the organization of the Youth Evangelism Team program and the Teen Bible Academy summer program.

“I’m deeply grateful to God for the mentors that have impacted my life at pivotal moments,” acknowledges Uyeyama. “Their inspiration encouraged me to continue developing personal gifts and talents in the service of God’s Kingdom.” It’s a decision he does not regret.

He is excited about the challenges his new responsibilities will bring. He plans to contribute to the mentorship of youth leaders by empowering them in their ministry development. Uyeyama believes that creating an inspirational, growthoriented environment is key for leaders to replicate a similar atmosphere for the young adults to expand their gifts, talents and creativity.

Andrew and Andrea Uyeyama

Costin, Leah, Roman and Lance Jordache

In ministry, Uyeyama engages young people through participating in their interests. Andrea, his wife of five years, continues to be a constant supporting presence. In his personal time, he enjoys reading, learning and being physically active outdoors.

Costin Jordache

Costin Jordache comes with a combined passion for ministry and communication. After realizing early in his ministry that most people are immersed in a media-rich society, he has spent the last 20 years pursuing education and experience in both pastoral ministry and media communication. Jordache is well-known in many circles for his passion and commitment to integrity, innovation and excellence in communicating the message of Jesus Christ.

Jordache has served in many leadership roles that have included administration, education, pastoral, production, publishing and professional consulting. Most recently, he served as assistant to the president for communication in the Texas Conference. Prior to that, he served as senior pastor of the Dallas First church, pastor for media for the Loma Linda University church,

general manager of the Texas Media Center and adjunct instructor in communication at Southwestern Adventist University. He holds a master’s degree in radio, television and film, as well as an MBA and an undergraduate degree in theology.

“I’m grateful for the invitation to join the team,” shares Jordache, “and our family looks forward to being part of the Central California family.” In Central, he will apply his passion and experience toward the vision of developing effective channels of communication, exploring innovative ways to share our faith, as well as by preaching, teaching and equipping. Jordache also enjoys teaching and modeling community relations concepts that help local churches, schools and members create natural bridges between the Seventh-day Adventist church and the communities that they are a part of.

In his personal time, Jordache enjoys photography, bird-watching, woodworking, collecting books, and going on adventures with his family.

He is married to Leah Jordache, and they have two boys, Roman (8) and Lance (6).

Carolann De Leon January 2014

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Southeastern California Conference

El Centro Church Members Inaugurate Fellowship Hall

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embers of the El Centro church recently finished a nine-month renovation/expansion of their fellowship hall. They celebrated on Oct. 19, by hosting a potluck luncheon and a men’s chorus concert for the community.

The church’s campus had been in need of upgrading, and its fellowship hall needed expansion. On potluck Sabbaths, half of those who attended church went home rather than stay for lunch, and the fellowship hall was still packed. Members overflowed into youth and children’s Sabbath school rooms to eat.

At the same time, the church had a significant amount of money in a building fund, established in the late 80s with the plan of combining all the church facilities under one roof. That vision turned out not to be viable, but those funds were available when members approved the plan of upgrading the campus and enlarging and renovating the fellowship hall. Members also secured a building loan from the Pacific Union, and work began in January.

Progress was rapid at first, but the building project hit a snag with the required installation of emergency fire sprinklers in the ceiling. Although this caused a three-month delay, property improvements, such as resurfacing and landscaping the parking lots and replacing bad sections of sidewalks, continued. José Solis, a church elder and retired construction contractor, oversaw many of the property improvements and was the church’s liaison with the building company and city inspectors.

The final inspection and approval to occupy came from the city the Wednesday before the special potluck and concert.

The fellowship hall is three times larger than it was and can accommodate more than 200 people. It will be an ideal area for youth events, social activities and wedding receptions. Improvements to the larger campus include landscaping, additional lighting and irrigation to parts of the campus not previously reached, and new pavement in the alleyways adjacent to the church property.

The inaugural festivities featured the William Chunestudy Men’s Chorus from the Loma Linda area. Mark Tatum, El Centro church pastor, was a member before he began his seminary studies. “It felt very special — like being home again — to have this choir, which means so much to me, in the community I have come to love as my own,” said Tatum.

The choir sang during the church service and joined members for the potluck. “I don’t think I ever saw more food in the fellowship hall, and all of it was good!” said a church member. “I have seen some groups that at a meal like this would sit by themselves and not mix with the local members. I saw these men with their families throughout the hall, enjoying food and conversation with each other and our members.”

The men’s chorus also gave a concert in the afternoon. The church worked for weeks ahead of time announcing the concert to the community through posters, flyers, radio announcements and Facebook paid advertisements. Several people from surrounding Adventist churches came as well.

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The project tripled the size of the fellowship hall.

The men’s chorus performs during the inaugural festitivies.

Church members use their new, larger fellowship hall.

“I thought the men’s chorus did a masterful job. They sang with vigor and joy. What a blessed day!” said Jeff Lopez, church music leader.

El Centro members look forward to enjoying their new facilities for a long time to come. They invite visitors to El Centro to stop by and say hello, or to worship with them on Sabbath mornings.

Mark Tatum

Southeastern California Conference

SECC Ordains Pastor Oscar Pereda

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ENNO MUELLER

SECC congregations: San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana Spanish and Inland Spanish.

“He has demonstrated a passion for souls and delights in sharing the good news of salvation in the churches where he has ministered,” said Alberto Ingleton, SECC vice president for Hispanic ministries. In Enernest Furness, SECC ministerial director, congratulates Pereda.

2010, Pereda earned a Master of Divinity from La Sierra University. Five months after his ordination, he became pastor of the Costa Mesa Spanish church, where he currently serves.

Passionate about leadership, Pereda seeks to empower others to be leaders in their churches and Gerald Penick, former SECC president, and Alberto Ingleton, SECC vice communities. He feels president of Hispanic ministries, address Pereda and his family. strongly that church members should be involved with their local theology. “I would like to facilitate a conversaneighborhoods in tion between the academic world and the practical ways. “We church world,” he said. “They see each other as want to be not only rivals, but there is so much to learn from both followers of Christ, but worlds.” also His representaIn the meantime, Pereda is busy with an tives in the world,” increasing ministry and a growing family. Edith he said. His current teaches religion and ESL at La Sierra Academy. plans for the Costa The couple has two children: Joy, a La Sierra Mesa Spanish church Academy freshman, and Jeremy, a seventhinclude offering par- grader at La Sierra Academy Junior High. enting classes, English For recreation, Pereda enjoys running, swimas a Second Language ming and biking — not just for health, but also classes and citizenship for the insights he receives while exercising. classes.

“That’s when my creativity is developed,” he In due time, Pereda said. “I review sermons, get ideas, think deeply hopes to begin a about the Bible. I know that’s when God is doctoral program with going to speak to me.” the goal of becomOscar Pereda, pastor, serves at the Costa Mesa Spanish church, along with this wife, Edith, daughter, Joy, and son, Jeremy. ing a professor of Julie Lorenz ENNO MUELLER

he Southeastern California Conference recognized Oscar Pereda’s calling to the gospel ministry at an ordination service on Sabbath, May 18, at the Inland Spanish church.

Pereda now serves as pastor of the Costa Mesa Spanish church.

Born in Chiapas, Mexico, Pereda grew up in an Adventist family. When he was 15, the family immigrated to the United States and settled in Loma Linda. After graduating from Redlands High School, Pereda and his older brother, Rodolfo, returned to Mexico to study at the Universidad de Montemorelos. Fascinated since childhood by computers and technology, his plan was to become a computer engineer.

However, at the university he says he felt the Holy Spirit calling him to a different path — not in a dramatic form, but in a quiet way. “It was not something extraordinary,” he said. “I felt that serving others was something I was really passionate about. I saw my commitment to working at a church, fellowshipping with others and helping them know about God.” When he told his parents that he had changed his career goal, “they totally embraced it,” assuring him that he had made the right decision. His choice was life changing in an unexpected way; in his theology classes, he met his future wife, Edith.

Pereda graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts in theology, and returned to the United States. Before his ordination, he served at three

January 2014

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Arizona Conference

Arizona Hosts 33rd AfricanAmerican Convocation

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sermon. Gospel recording artist Anthony Whigham performed.

Sabbath services continued at Thunderbird Adventist Academy with the largest attendance in more than 15 years. Visitors from California, Nevada, and other local churches were on hand to join the praise and worship experience.

Pastor Ranison Kennedy from the Tucson Maranatha church presented the Morning Manna prayer service and invited the recently baptized members of the newly formed group from Eloy. Merv Williams from the Camelback church in Phoenix led a lesson study with Pastor Shane Davis of the Chandler and Queens Creek churches. The Tongan youth group from the Chandler church provided music.

Praise and worship coordinator Pastor Dwight Withers from the Tucson All Nations church opened the worship service.

Two special features highlighted the convocation. The first was the dedication of a brand new pulpit, still wrapped in its package as the service Music from the mass choir, along with piano, organ and instrumental accompaniment, filled the auditorium. began. Pacific Union African-American ministries coordinator Bobby Mitchell joined Graham, Anobile and several local pastors to dedicate the piece of furniture for the preaching of the gospel.

The African-American ministries department gave special thanks to the Arizona Conference administrative team for their Resident historian Florence Darby and her daughter, Vanessa, support of the work attended the convocation services together.

PHOTOS BY PHIL DRAPER

rizona held its 33rd annual AfricanAmerican convocation, themed “There is Something About that Name,” Nov. 8 and 9.

The event began Friday evening at the Beacon Light church. Ricardo Graham, president of the Pacific Union, spoke. “His power-packed, no-holds-barred message challenged us to seek a daily infilling and empowering by the Holy Spirit,” said Arizona Conference President Tony Anobile.

The mass choir, under the co-direction of Beacon Light musician Sheryl Johnson and music minister Denis Cooper from the New Life church in Las Vegas, complemented Graham’s

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Conference officers and pastors joined Graham for a special dedicatory prayer for the new acrylic pulpit, unveiled during the worship service.

in the African-American churches. A special awards presentation followed, where Graham and Mitchell thanked Walter Arties, who recently retired as assistant to the president for African-American ministries, for his service.

After lunch, guests flocked back to the auditorium for a mini-concert, which featured the convocation mass choir, soloist Lisa Cimino, the Chandler Youth Choir, Claudine Robinson, and others.

Mitchell, featured speaker for the afternoon program, shared his personal journey and testimony. He reminded attendees that “Through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, nothing is impossible for us to do or achieve, because there is truly something about that name — Jesus!”

Kingsley Palmer

Adventist Health

MIGUEL QUIRARTE

Adventist Health Honors 17 Physicians for Their Personal Touch was how to provide the best care to patients for the best value, according to Keith Doram, M.D., vice president of clinical effectiveness and chief medical officer. “We, as a society, are facing important and necessary health care reform changes which are often complex,” states Doram. “That is why it is important for our physicians to be engaged and collaborative in our care transformation efforts.”

While there is no quick solution to issues and policies arising from health care reform, there is a need for health care providers to meet and brainstorm solutions. “In these times in health care, seeing the commitment of these physicians makes me feel very optimistic about the future,” says Crampton.

L. to R.: Kevin Roberts, president of Glendale Adventist Medical Center; Janet Cunningham, M.D., Glendale Adventist Medical Center faculty in family practice residency program; Robert Carmen, CEO of Adventist Health; and Keith Doram, M.D., chief medical officer at Adventist Health. Cunningham accepts her Physician of The Year Mission Award from Carmen at Adventist Health’s fifth annual Physician Leadership Symposium in Sacramento, Calif. Adventist Health honored 17 physicians, who have gone beyond expectations to provide compassionate care.

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hanges in health care policy and the increasing medical needs of individuals have the potential to make health care a more impersonal experience. However, Adventist Health physicians are working daily to preserve warm, personalized patient care.

Adventist Health recently honored 17 such physicians, who have gone beyond expectations to provide compassionate care. These physicians received the 2013 Physician of The Year Mission Awards, given at Adventist Health’s fifth annual Physician Leadership Symposium in Sacramento, Calif.

The honorees were selected by their hospitals for embodying the organization’s mission and focus on whole person care. All 17 physicians were chosen based on two major criteria: first that they personified Adventist Health’s mission, “to share God’s love by providing physical, mental and spiritual healing,” and second, that they motivated those around them to provide the best quality care possible, says Paul Crampton, Ph.D., assistant vice president of mission and spiritual care.

Divya Joseph

2013 PHYSICIAN OF THE YEAR MISSION AWARD RECIPIENTS

These physicians make sure their patients are treated as individuals and not as medical charts. For example, they may offer prayer, develop personal relationships or help simplify medical terminology.

“There is no question that people’s lives are better because of these physicians,” says Crampton.

Besides honoring the physicians, the Physician Leadership Symposium brought together 200 attendees to tackle some complex issues facing health care today. One such issue

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Romeo Castillo, M.D.; Adventist Medical Center – Hanford Daniel Crawford, M.D.; Adventist Medical Center – Portland Oleh Wolowodiuk, M.D.; Adventist Medical Center – Reedley René Charles, M.D.; Adventist Medical Center – Selma Brijit Reis, M.D.; Castle Medical Center Joan Rubinstein, M.D.; Central Valley General Hospital Ronald Ainsworth, M.D.; Feather River Hospital Tedd Dawson, M.D.; Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital Janet Cunningham, M.D.; Glendale Adventist Medical Center Dean Jennings, M.D.; St. Helena Hospital Clearlake Andreas Sakopoulos, M.D.; St. Helena Hospital Napa Valley Catherine Kim, M.D.; Simi Valley Hospital Danny Anderson, M.D.; Sonora Regional Medical Center Ben Douglas, M.D.; Tillamook Regional Medical Center Karen Crabtree, M.D.; Ukiah Valley Medical Center Bradley Titus, M.D., FACC; Walla Walla General Hospital Zahra Esmail, D.O.; White Memorial Medical Center

January 2014

19

Loma Linda

Loma Linda University Health Bolsters Medical Care in Southern Malawi

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ince 1902, Malamulo Seventh-day Adventist Hospital in Malawi has provided hope and healing to people who would not otherwise have received care. Life in Malawi is difficult—more than 30 percent of the population is undernourished and the average life expectancy is 47.3 years.

According to Jan Zumwalt, MBA, MS, associate director, Global Health Institute, Loma Linda University Health (LLUH), Malamulo Hospital is a part of the LLU Malawi field station where students, faculty, and alumni provide short- and long-term mission service. In addition, the hospital is the primary rotation site for 550 students from Malamulo College of Health Sciences training to be nurse-midwives, biomedical lab technicians, and medical assistants, and for students from Malawi’s College of Medicine.

“Malamulo,” says alumnus Ryan Hayton, M.D., who is serving at the hospital, “is a referral hospital for Malawi and Mozambique; it is one of the Adventist Church’s flagship missions.”

Danielle Davis, Pharm.D., traveled to Malawi to volunteer on three occasions while she was an LLU student. “I wouldn’t say medical mission experience is something for every pharmacy student,” she says. “A passion for service, flexibility, creativity, and teachability are needed.”

After graduating in 2012, Davis joined the faculty of the School of Pharmacy as assistant professor of global health, department of pharmacotherapy and outcomes science. Her passion for service led her to apply for a LLU Global Service Award (GSA), funded by the GSA program and the School of Pharmacy. The GSA, which covers educational loan repayment while awardees are serving abroad, enabled her to return to Malamulo in 2013.

“In Malawi,” she says, “pharmacy isn’t wellknown as a clinical service. While at first I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to use the clinical skills I’d developed in school and practice, I’ve been able to do more here than I thought was possible.”

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This includes working with patients during weekly clinics. According to the hospital’s medical director, LLU alumna Crischelle Shank, M.D., people with diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure attend clinic. “These patients,” says Davis, “have little understanding of their disease, medications, or complications. Previously in Malawi, most illnesses were infectious in nature.

The concept of long-term medication compliance is difficult for patients to grasp. Most are subsistence farmers earning about one dollar a day, making it difficult for those who must purchase medicine monthly.”

“The concept of a free clinic,” says Shank, “where patients meet with a pharmacist to review medication, lifestyle, and compliance is novel. This wouldn’t have happened without Dr. Davis’ passion for clinical pharmacy.”

Davis has also worked with LLU School of Medicine alumni Jamie Crounse, M.D., to

educate patients about how lifestyle changes improve hypertension and diabetes. “I help them understand what is taking place in their bodies,” says Davis, “and the potential harm not taking care of themselves can cause. I enjoy watching patients achieve therapeutic goals, seeing the transformation of mindset as they begin to understand how important lifestyle is to their condition.”

“Danielle Davis is a passionate pharmacist when it comes to helping the underserved,” says Rashid Mosavin, R.Ph., Ph.D., MBA, executive associate dean, School of Pharmacy. “She has developed a vision of what pharmacy services should be in Malamulo in the short period of time that she has served there.”

Nancy Yuen

Danielle Davis, assistant professor of global health, LLU School of Pharmacy, speaks with patients being treated for diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure at Malamulo Seventh-day Adventist Hospital in Malawi. Davis enjoys sharing information about how lifestyle changes positively impact one’s health.

Loma Linda

LLU Children’s Hospital Celebrates 20 Years of Serving Kids

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oma Linda University Children’s Hospital spent its 20th birthday doing what it does best — bringing smiles to kids’ faces.

Children and their parents were invited to a community celebration Nov. 10 featuring a petting zoo, hot-air balloon rides and more family activities.

Former patient and leukemia survivor Kimie Metcalf, 8, led the crowd in an enthusiastic “happy birthday” sing-along. And for the grand finale, guests watched an illuminating fireworks show.

“It was wonderful to see the community come together to help us celebrate this important milestone,” says Children’s Hospital administrator Zareh Sarrafian, MBA. “The response we have received from our friends and supporters has been heartwarming,” he said, “and is a true testament to the impact we have had in our region as well as to the children and families that rely on Children’s Hospital for hope and healing.”

Medical Miracles

Some of those children who survived incredible odds at LLU Children’s Hospital were

Children’s Hospital mascot Luke the Lion came to the party, greeting and holding paws with young guests.

Former conjoined twins Crystal and Cristina Molina hold a cast of their heads taken before they were separated at LLU Children’s Hospital. They, along their parents, Bernardo and Blanca, and their baby sister, Mariela, met with the twins’ former surgeons, Dr. Alexander Zouros and Dr. Andrea Ray.

reunited with their medical providers during an emotional media conference Nov. 7.

The patients included sisters Crystal and Cristina Molina, age 9, former conjoined twins who underwent extensive preoperative care and surgery at Children’s Hospital to separate them.

Adriana Gurrola, 27, was treated for nonHodgkin’s lymphoma when she was 14.

With a balloon taking riders soaring into the air during the Children’s Now a nurse herself in Hospital birthday party, the line was full throughout the event. the neonatal intensive care unit at Children’s Hospital, Gurrola credits “It has been a calling and a privilege to serve her medical providers for helping inspire her our community, and we look forward to the career. next 20-plus years of providing world class, Finally, Hannah Grinnan, 15, of Redlands, re- Christ-centered health care as we work together ceived a new heart when she was only 11 days to make every person and child whole,” Sarold. Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital rafian said. pioneered infant heart transplantation in 1984.

Briana Pastorino and Herbert Atienza January 2014

21

Hawaii Conference

Children’s Ministries and Students Serve Homeless Children

Volunteers work with children to create their lion masks, inspired by the story of Daniel.

T A mother helps her child learn the motions to the song.

he Hawaii Conference recently held a miniVacation Bible School for children staying in the Loliana Family Shelter in downtown Honolulu.

“Wow, no one has ever asked to do something like this,” said the shelter’s manager, Pearl Yamashiro.

This shelter’s small space presented a challenge. “Our space is severely limited because

Polo Jin (top right) helps serve food to the children and parents.

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we have only a small fenced-in play area for the kids, and we have about 120 kids living here,” explained Yamashiro.

Hawaiian Mission Academy students offered to help with the event. Riley Kim, a senior, began playing with one of the first kids to arrive. It didn’t take him long to win the heart of the little guy, who claimed a spot next to Kim for the duration of the morning.

Joyce Kim opened the meeting with a song service. Then the kids listened to the story of Daniel, watched HMA students perform a dramatic skit, and made their own snacks. “I don’t know who enjoyed the snack more — the children, or their moms,” said Tammi Eaton.

For craft time, Liz Mahikoa, an adult volunteer, taught each child how to make a lion mask from a paper bag.

“Is there a plan to do this again?” asked Abigail Sy. “If so, count me in.”

At the end of the program, each child received a gift that helped them to learn more about Jesus and His love for them.

“Thanks so much for thinking of these kids,” said Brad Chilton, the caretaker for the shelter.

“What you are doing is really a nice thing. I hope you can come again.”

Feryl Harris

Hawaii Conference

Evangelistic Series Leads to 59 Baptisms

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he Kahului church recently hosted a Revelation of Hope evangelistic series with Central California Conference evangelist Taj Pacleb. As a result, 59 people were baptized.

Bible worker Archie Daco and 15 others did much of the prep alongside the congregation.

The seminar started with an average attendance of 120 visitors, which included eight evangelical pastors from the community.

Midway through, the attendance of those who are not Seventh-day Adventist church members steadied at 60 to 70.

“In all my ministry career, this is the first time a selected group of individuals from other denominations, who were active and dynamic in their own congregations, supporters of their churches and their pastors — the cream of the crop, so to speak — have joined the remnant church of these last days,” said Juan R. Rivera, pastor of the Kahului church. “These individuals are actively involved in many segments of the church ministries and even participate in the presentations of God’s Word and Spirit of Prophecy.

“Johanna Brand, a candidate for a doctoral degree in theology, came every single night,

Pastor Jaun Rivera (far right) and evangelist Taj Pacleb (far left) welcome new members to the Kahului church.

Both young and old made decisions for baptism.

Henry Lindsey and his sister, Brenda Kualaua, share their testimony with the church on their baptism day. Henry was the general contractor for Kahului church’s major renovation.

expressed her inmost and heart felt joy in learning the truths Seventh-day Adventists present to a lost world,” Rivera continued.

“Henry Lindsey, general contractor and a long time church attendee who previously led in the church renovation project, committed his life to Jesus and was baptized along with his sister Brenda.”

The church’s prayer ministry team prayed fervently for the speaker and for those attending the meetings. The women’s ministries team prepared meals. Deacons welcomed visitors and guided them into appropriate parking spaces.

Other volunteers led the children in Bible stories and Bible studies.

The newly baptized members continued to meet on Monday nights for a follow-up series, Wednesday prayer meetings, and Friday vespers. “A majority of those baptized are currently attending Bible memorization classes every Sabbath afternoon, led by the elders and other leaders,” said Saturnino Lamog, Kahului church head elder. Christmas Sabbath has been set aside for the final baptismal ceremony for 2013.

Lorie Robello January 2014

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La Sierra University

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wo La Sierra University first year students have been named as the 2013 Presidential Scholarship recipients. Nicqelle Godfrey, from Loomis, Calif., and Josephine Simorangkir, from Loma Linda, Calif., received the awards based on their outstanding high school grade point average, and their demonstrated dedication to improving the world around them.

The scholarship covers tuition and fees at La Sierra for one year, and is renewable for up to four years. The awards are just a small part of the $15 million in direct institutional aid La Sierra University provides to students.

Godfrey grew up hearing stories about La Sierra University from her mother, Kimberly Lind Godfrey. Once Nicqelle’s sister started classes at La Sierra, she heard more good things about the university.

“But what really sealed my desire to attend La Sierra was visiting the archaeology department,” Godfrey said. “I believe the next frontier is archaeology. There’s so much to be discovered. I would love to get involved in that.”

A graduate of Pine Hills Adventist Academy in Auburn, Calif., Godfrey is double majoring in history and English literature. She plans to go to law school after finishing at La Sierra.

As part of her scholarship essay, Godfrey shared her lifelong interest in helping people suffering from cancer.

“When I was very little, a close friend was diagnosed with cancer,” she recalled. “Once he lost his hair, I was shocked. I remember wearing a wristband in my friend’s honor.

“One day, my mom asked if I had ever thought of donating my hair to help make wigs for cancer patients. I started doing that in second grade. In junior high, I was able to help support the activities of the cancer center at St. Helena Hospital.

I also started a program called “Heaps of Hair,” asking people to donate old wigs, cleaning them up and donating them to the hospital to give to cancer patients. “

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Nicqelle admitted she did not realize how much of a focus helping cancer patients had been in her life until she completed her scholarship essay.

“I hope to help people throughout my life,” she said. “My parents were an example to me. Every time they had a chance to help someone, they did. My family inspires me every day.”

La Sierra University was the only place Josephine Simorangkir considered for her education after Loma Linda Academy. The proximity to her home, the outstanding music department and the strong science program all were factors in her decision to attend La Sierra. She’ll be majoring in neuroscience, and on the side, she will be a member of the La Sierra University Saxophone Quartet.

“I really like the environment here,” Simorangkir said. “I like that the school is kind of small, because it will give me opportunities to branch out and make more friends. And the classes look manageable.”

Simorangkir ultimately plans to attend medical school, and she’s strongly interested in doing medical research, possibly earning a combined M.D.-Ph.D. degree. Once a physician, she hopes to become part of Doctors Without Borders, an international medical humanitarian organization that works in more than 60 countries.

She applied for a Presidential Scholarship after receiving a brochure about the program. “I’m always pushing myself to apply for scholarships,” she said. “I know how much it helps my parents. I was really shocked and grateful when Mr. Lofthouse called to tell me about winning a scholarship.”

Along with her outstanding academic record, Simorangkir’s application outlined her efforts to better her community while attending LLA. “In my junior year, I started a club called “MAD” — Making a Difference,” she said. “We tried to help out other community organizations.

We did a Christmas party for underprivileged kids with one organization. We also helped out at PossAbilities and their annual race.” PossAbilities

NATAN VIGNA

Presidential Scholarship Winners Combine Academic Excellence and Community Involvement

Josephine Simorangkir (left) and Nicqelle Godfrey are La Sierra University’s 2013 Presidential Scholars.

is a program at Loma Linda University Health that works with individuals with physical disabilities.

“The Presidential Scholar selection committee felt both of these young women would make outstanding choices for the scholarship,” said David Lofthouse, vice president for enrollment services.

“Ultimately, we realized that with a little stretching, we could make awards to both of them.”

According to Lofthouse, the candidates that most impress the committee are those who show personal initiative.

“It is great to see students get involved in mission projects, outreach or community building,” Lofthouse said. “But when we see a student who recognizes a problem and goes about the business of solving it without relying on an existing organization to tell them where they fit in — we are impressed.”

Simorangkir and Godfrey were selected from more than 30 applicants. Academy and high school students interested in being considered for the Presidential Scholarship can get more information at www.lasierra.edu/ presidentialscholarship.

Larry Becker

Church State Council

The Power to Effect Change

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ifty years ago, Congress enacted the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In the in very important ways. At each committee hearing, the room was flooded same year, the Pacific Union established the Church State Council as with turbans, from members of the Sikh faith who have suffered systematic its religious liberty agency. Hundreds of years of slavery, followed exclusion from many industries. Their testimony was powerful and effective. by another hundred years of legal discrimination, finally ended with the Seventh-day Adventists also testified. passage of a bill outlawing discrimination in housing, employment and Ordinary people changed the law. public accommodations.

In 2014, as the Church State Council sponsors events throughout the Pacific The Civil Rights Act didn’t just happen. It wasn’t inevitable. It was a hard Union to commemorate 50 years of ministry, the emphasis will be on the fought battle. Much of the inspiration for the struggle came from the church- power of ordinary people to effect change. When the Jewish people were es; much of the encouragement from gospel music. The rhetoric of speeches captive in Babylon, the prophet Jeremiah gave them the word of God: to seek and sermons provided heady motivation. Who can forget Martin Luther King the peace of the city, for in its peace, they would have peace. Today, we work Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech? The music was a steady force undergirding the for the peace of our communities, for a society where all can worship freely, effort. “This Little Light of Mine,”“We Shall Overcome” and “Can’t Turn Me and can live out their faith without legal restrictions. The freedoms we so Around” were just a few of the songs that inspired a generation. dearly cherish are constantly challenged. They require constant maintenance, Ordinary people began to believe that they had the power to effect eternal vigilance. change. They shone their light; they marched and couldn’t be turned around, My first legislative battle involved a religious freedom bill in California. In and they did overcome. the heat of the effort, we had launched a grassroots letter writing campaign.

My dad grew up in a New York society that was rigidly segregated. His dad Ben Ferschein, one of Assembly member Joe Baca’s staff, told my associate, had joined the country club — the Jewish country club. There were other Arnold Trujillo, that the letters were coming in like a “flood.”“How many is a clubs they could not join — the Catholics had their club, and then there was flood?” asked Trujillo. How many indeed? “A dozen,” answered Ferschein. A the “WASP” country club, where only white, Anglo-Saxon Protestants need dozen letters is enough to get the attention of a California Assembly member apply. Business was segregated. Jews were not welcome in the big law firms. representing hundreds of thousands of people! Are you one of a dozen? Can Wall Street was rigidly divided by religion and ethnicity. This is the world I your church generate a dozen? was born into, but before I even understood that world, the laws changed The power to effect change. It belongs to a dozen ordinary people. everything.

Fabian Carballo serves as president of the North American Religious Liberty The power to effect change. It belongs to ordinary people.

Association – West. He grew up in a Spanish church near Loma Linda, and The Civil Rights Act didn’t just outlaw racial discrimination; it also forbade after obtaining his master’s degree from La Sierra University, he eventually religious discrimination, opening new opportunities for Sabbath observers to ran for a seat on the City Council. He lost by three votes! He grew up in a work. When Seventh-day Adventist Adele Sherbert was fired from her job in church with a culture of not voting. Many in his own church did not bother to the cotton mills of South Carolina pre-Civil Rights Act, she could not sue for cast a vote. If only four of them had voted for him, Carballo would have won. discrimination. But she did challenge the denial of her unemployment all the Are you one of four? Four votes can make a difference. way to the Supreme Court — and won a great victory for the free exercise of The power to effect change belongs to four ordinary people. religion.

Looking to the future, we cannot simply rehearse the victories of the past.

The power to effect change. It belongs to ordinary people like Sherbert.

We must take courage from God’s leading in the past, and gain strength to By 1982, when Kwasi Opuku-Boateng was hired persevere and face each new challenge together. to work for the State of California at the border After 50 years, the Church State Council has much inspection station in the desert town of Yermo, the to celebrate, much history worth remembering.

Civil Rights Act protected him from discrimination.

But there remains an ongoing work to do, to He was [and is] a Seventh-day Adventist who preserve and defend religious freedom. This work never did get the chance to prove his worth. He needs ordinary people who are willing to believe was fired after the very first week for not working we can accomplish extraordinary things working on Sabbath. His case took 15 years to work its way together. Are you such a person?

Jan. 11 — Las Vegas through the courts. Eventually, an opinion was isAll are invited, encouraged, urged even, to Jan. 25 — San Francisco sued by the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals that partner with us. Join the North American Religious Feb. 1 — Fresno has been the bedrock of religious discrimination Liberty Association at www.religiousliberty.info, Feb. 8 — Fairfield, Calif. law ever since. and also, be informed and get involved by signing April 8 — Pacific Union College, Lobby Day Ordinary people like Kwasi Opuku-Boateng up at www.churchstate.org, for our e-mail alerts, May 5 — Sacramento, Annual Lobby Day have the power to effect change. and by “friending” the Church State Council on Sept. 13-14 — Sacramento, Last year, California enacted the Workplace Facebook.

50th Anniversary Banquet and Rally Religious Freedom Act. The Act strengthens More dates/info: www.churchstate.org California law against religious discrimination Alan J. Reinach, Esq.

ON THE HORIZON

January 2014

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Pacific Union

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here was rain, thunder and lightening — but the storm did not overshadow the stories and testimonies at the 2013 Maranatha Volunteers International Convention held Sept. 20-21 in Roseville, Calif. More than 1,700 people gathered to hear stories of how service has changed the lives of volunteers, congregations and students around the world.

Shelly and Paul Stokstad of Auburn, Calif., are long-time supporters of Maranatha Volunteers International. They joined many others in pledging their support for Maranatha’s ministry.

Homer Trecartin, president of the Adventist Church in the Middle East, shared the need for more classrooms and schools in Egypt and the impact education has on a student’s life.

Ella Simmons, general vice president of the Adventist Church, also came to the Maranatha convention. Simmons recently toured schools that Maranatha has constructed in Panama over the years. She spoke on the importance and impact of Adventist education.

Those who could not make it to Roseville were invited to watch from home. Maranatha offered three options for live viewing: streaming online at Maranatha.org and on 3ABN or the Hope Church Channel. Online, hundreds of additional viewers watched from as far away as Ghana and India.

Highlights from the program are posted online at www.maranatha.org, and DVDs of the entire weekend program* are also available for order. Call 916-774-7700 to order your free DVD.

PHOTOS BY TOM LLOYD

Portraits of Christ: More Than 1,700 Attend Maranatha’s Annual Convention

Ella Simmons, general vice president of the Adventist Church also addressed the crowd, sharing about her recent visit to several Maranatha built institutions in Panama.

*Steve Green performances are not included on the website or in the DVD.

Carrie Purkeypile

Maranatha Volunteers International is a nonprofit organization that mobilizes volunteers to build urgently needed buildings around the world. The annual convention invites mission enthusiasts to celebrate what is happening in Maranatha’s mission field each year.

Friday night vespers kicked off the annual program with live music by Steve Green and testimonies of volunteers impacted by mission.

Longtime volunteer Terry Schwartz told the story of being diagnosed with cancer, and how his mortality motivated him to dive into mission work. Bryce and Kathy Wilkie, featured in the Summer 2013 issue of Maranatha’s magazine, The Volunteer, shared how the death of their daughter led to the construction of a church in her name.

Volunteer testimonies continued on Sabbath morning and afternoon, along with stories from international church leaders, who described the impact Maranatha has made in their countries.

For the first time, Maranatha’s convention More than 1,700 people gathered for the Maranatha Volunteers International convention. Many were featured a representative from the Middle East. inspired to sign up for their own short-term mission trip and be part of building people around the world.

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Have you ever wondered how stories appear in the local newspaper, television news program, or on the radio? Check out this book to learn how you can alert the media to what is happening in your church or school.

Media Outreach How to Get Your Stories in the Media

Want to know what to do when the phone rings and there’s a crisis?

This handy guide—filled with case studies and action steps—will help you communicate effectively during crisis situations.

Media Outreach

How to Get Your Stories in the Media

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Seventh-day Adventist Church

Catalog #250160 Print: $9.95 Catalog #900251 eBook: $7.95 North AmeriCAN DiviSioN

AN offiCe of CommuNiCAtioN reSourCe

By George Johnson, Jr.

Social media is one of the best ways to reach people with the gospel message. Learn how your church can reach people around the world, on whatever social network they use, via any device they pick up.

Catalog #250165 Print: $11.95 Catalog #900252 eBook: $9.95

Download eBooks at www.adventsource.org one name • one number • one source

January 2014

27

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C ALENDARS Arizona RAW FOODS POTLUCK (Jan. 11) 2nd Saturday of each month. Central church, 777 W. Montecito, Phoenix, 6:30 p.m.

Newcomers — Please bring a vegetable or fruit salad without dressing.

For recipe ideas, visit www.hacres.com.

Info: stanhowerton@yahoo.com or call 480-430-5492.

ARIZONA ARTS FESTIVAL (Jan. 23-25) at Thunderbird Adventist Academy. For all SDA students grades 5-8 (whether in our schools or not). This is a great opportunity to explore, create and perform with other musicians from around Arizona. Info: Susan Byers, sbyers@thunderbirdacademy.org, 480580-0352; Ben Purvis, bpurvis@thunderbirdacademy.org, 208-899-5109.

50TH ANNIVERSARY Celebration of Adventists in Mesa, Arizona (March 1) Hosted by Mesa Palms church. Former members, pastors, friends invited to celebrate with us. King’s Heralds concert Sabbath, 5 p.m.. Info: 480-985-3140; Facebook: Mesa Palms SDA Church; mesapalmschurch.com.

Central California NAD DAY OF PRAYER (Jan. 4) Division-wide.

YOUNG ADULT RETREAT (Jan.10-12) Soquel Conference Center. Info: Sandra, 559-347-3174.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP TRAINING (Jan. 11) Mountain View Academy. Info: Marilyn, 559-347-3142.

HISPANIC WOMEN’S RETREAT (Jan. 31-Feb. 2) Tenaya Lodge. Info: Florina, 559-347-3144.

WOMEN’S RETREAT (Feb.7-9) Tenaya Lodge. Info: Pat, 559-642-2396.

La Sierra University SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS WEEK (Jan. 28-30) Featuring faculty members. LSU church, 11 a.m. each day.

CLASSES BEGIN (Jan. 6) Enrollment info: 800-874-5587.

FIRST SERVICE WORSHIP Fridays at 8 p.m. Info: 951-785-2090.

recorder PACIFIC UNION

www.pacificunionrecorder.com

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pacificunionrecorder.com

Nevada-Utah PRAYER MINISTRIES CONFERENCE (Jan. 31-Feb. 2) Guest speaker, Dr. Ricardo Graham, president, Pacific Union; facilitator, Karen Martell, Prayer Ministries coordinator Pacific Union.

Paradise church, 4575 South Sandhill Road, Las Vegas, NV 89121. Cost: $20.

Info: David Solomon Hall, 775-322-6929 or NUCYouthDirector@gmail.com.

Fairmont church, 730 S. Fairmont Ave. Info: 209-334-1844.

FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE RETREAT (Feb. 7-9) Leoni Meadows. Open to all high school-aged freshmen and sophomores. Emphasis on student-led, small group Bible study. Info: Youth Ministries Department, 925-603-5080.

Pacific Union College

Northern California Conference

WINTER QUARTER BEGINS (Jan. 6) Info: 800-862-7080.

RETIRO DE LAICOS (Jan. 17-19) Leoni Meadows. Hispanic Lay Leaders Retreat.

Speakers: Pastor Ruber Alvarez from Cuban Union Conference; Javier Krumm; Pablo Mleviza. Info: Hispanic Ministries Department, 925-603-5080.

FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOPS (Jan.Feb.) PUC and La Sierra present information about how you can afford college; at academies throughout the Pacific Union. Info: lasierrapucworkshops.com.

YOUTH FUSION (Jan. 25) Learn how to witness to your friends. Info: Youth Ministries Department, 925-603-5080.

CHURCH CLERKS TRAINING (Jan. 26) 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. NCC Headquarters, 401 Taylor Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Lunch provided. Info and reservations: NCC Church Clerk, 925-603-5001 or tcochrane@nccsda.com.

FAIRMONT CONCERT SERIES (Feb. 22) Christian Edition; 5 p.m. Lodi

WINTER REVIVAL (Jan. 21-24) 8 p.m., PUC Sanctuary. Michael Kelly presents four nights of spiritual emphasis.

ONE CHURCH (Jan. 25) PUC Sanctuary.

Special Sabbath with a single service beginning at 11:15 a.m.. Mark Witas speaks. Info: 707-965-7297.

ALBION RETREAT and Learning Center (Ongoing) Comfortable lodging for visitors and groups available along the Mendocino Coast. Perfect for classes, retreats, reunions, weddings, or vacations. Info: www.puc.edu/albion or 707-937-5440.

Southern California Conference

“THE SPIRIT, THE CHURCH and the Second Coming” (Jan. 26) Holy Spirit Conference (in Spanish). Presenters: Ismael Castillo, president, Montemorelos University; Ernest Castillo, vice president, NAD. Pastors: Rogelio Paquini, Carlos Acosta, Ruben Tenorio, Gustavo Contreras. Limit: 180 delegates. Contact EXHIBITION: IMPRESSIONS (Jan. local church pastor for ticket. 8:30 a.m.18-Feb. 8) Rasmussen Art Gallery. Rik 3:30 p.m. San Gabriel Academy, 8827 Olson’s prints and engravings on exhibit, East Broadway. Info: 818-546-8448. with an opening reception at 7 p.m.

Admission is free. Info: 707-965-6604.

COLLOQUY SPEAKER SERIES (Jan. 9) Martin Luther King Jr. Remembrance Day; 10 a.m., PUC Sanctuary. Eboo Patel, author and founder of the Interfaith Youth Core, speaks. Info: colloquy@ puc.edu.

WWW.PACIFICUNIONRECORDER.COM “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.”

- Exodus 20:8

SUNSETS

1/3 1/10 1/17 1/25 1/31 Alturas 4:45 4:53 5:00 5.09 5:18 Angwin 5:02 5:08 5:16 5:23 5:31 Calexico 4:49 4:55 5:01 5:08 5:15 Chico 4:56 5:03 5:10 5:18 5:27 Eureka 5:02 5:09 5:17 5:25 5:34 Fresno 4:56 5:02 5:09 5:17 5:24 Hilo 5:56 6:00 6:05 6:09 6:13 Honolulu 6:03 6:07 6:12 6:17 6:21 Las Vegas 4:39 4:45 4:52 4:59 5:07 Lodi 4:58 5:05 5:12 5:20 5:28 Loma Linda 4:53 4:59 5:05 5:12 5:19 Los Angeles 4:57 5:03 5:10 5:17 5:23 Moab 5:09 5:15 5:23 5:30 5:38 Oakland 5:03 5:09 5:16 5:24 5:32 Phoenix 5:33 5:39 5:45 5:52 5:59 Reno 4:49 4:55 5:03 5:11 5:19 Riverside 4:54 5:00 5:06 5:13 5:20 Sacramento 4:58 5:04 5:12 5:19 5:27 Salt Lake City 5:13 5:20 5:28 5:36 5:45 San Diego 4:55 5:01 5:08 5:14 5:21 San Francisco 5:04 5:10 5:18 5:25 5:33 San Jose 5:03 5:09 5:16 5:24 5:31 Tucson 5:32 5:37 5:44 5:50 5:57

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Bulletin Board

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Made up of mostly individual homes, Your donation will be greatly appreciPARADISE ELDER CARE In-Home the village has a fellowship you’ll enjoy. ated by the families who will benefit Services provides CareGivers who will On-site church, independent living, from it. Please contact us by phone, M-F, help you with personal care, ambulation nursing home and transportation 9 a.m. to 12 noon at 951-689-1919 or assistance, medication management, as needed. Website: www.sume-mail: lasierraspanish@gmail.com. meal preparation, housekeeping, mitridgevillage.org or call Bill Norman transportation, errands, safety supervi- 405-208-1289.

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Plus more than 60 other FREE Christian Channels SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY offers master’s degrees in business, computer science, counseling, education, global community development, nursing, religion and social work.

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WANTED: 90 SDA Commentary sets and books for all the prisons in Ghana;

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Chapel records, tapes and memorabilia; H.M.S. Richards camp meeting sermon cassettes and reel-to-reel tapes. Wanted: lapidary equipment, rock cutting saws; blacksmith tools, anvils; high-end woodshop equipment and lathes. Text/ call Doug, 909-224-4551, dougvon@ hotmail.com.

Employment ADVENTIST HEALTH SYSTEM is seeking a law student for a 6- to 8-week summer clerkship in 2014. This position is limited to students who have finished only one year of law school. Ideal candidates would be in the top 25% of their class. Duties include legal research and other projects. Please send résumé and transcript to david.gordon@ahss.org.

ANDREWS UNIVERSITY seeks an Assistant Professor of Accounting. Qualified candidates should have a Master’s degree in Accounting with CPA. For more information and to apply visit: www. andrews.edu/HR/emp_jobs_faculty.cgi.

BETTER LIFE TELEVISION: Seeking broadcast engineer for 20 stations and Grants Pass, Oregon, headquarters.

Requires knowledge of RF broadcast engineering, FCC regulations, SDA member in good standing. Résumé: Ron@BetterLifeTV.tv.

CARETAKER COUPLE. 4-5 hours per day for an estate home in Rolling Hills, Calif. Wages plus a lovely apartment.

Share a wonderful lifestyle in a gated community of small ranches next to the city and church. Duties include housekeeping, some cooking, care of parrots, 2 dogs, interior and exterior maintenance, some groundskeeping and supervision of vendors. Care for elderly owner. Very unique job for the right couple. Must have the highest standards of integrity and sense of duty. Must have a car, run errands. Fax résumé to Myrna at 310265-2496 or e-mail to curtismyrna@ verizon.net.

CENTRAL VALLEY CHRISTIAN Academy, located in Central California with easy access to the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the east and San Francisco and the Monterey coast to the west, is seeking an outstanding, well organized music teacher to oversee instrumental and vocal classes for grades 3-12. Our ideal candidate will have a track record of success in engaging students in music. A bachelor’s degree in music is required along with SDA denominational certification. E-mail résumés to Wayne Dunbar at principal@cvcaonline.net.

NOW HIRING English teachers to be based in Chengdu, China. Competitive salary package based on competence and experience. Native English speaker, holds a bachelor’s degree, preferably with some teaching experience.

January 2014

29

Advertisments Education Centers run by Adventist professionals. Visit sgg.com.sg/career/ jobs.htm or e-mail gateway@sgg.com. sg for more details.

III, Anna Ramahi, Carey Tait, Veronica Woodards, Randi Weaver.

PLEASANT HILL. Contact: Cheri Cautiverio, clerk, Pleasant Hill Adventist PACIFIC UNION COLLEGE seeks a Co- Church, 800 Grayson Road, Pleasant Hill, Generation Plant Supervisor. This techni- CA 94523, 925-934-5803, office@pleascal position involves overseeing the anthilladventist.org: Maria Apaza, Maria operation and maintenance of Co-Gen Carreon, Kelly Lambert, Esteban Ortiz. plant, boilers, and steam distribution.

Candidates must be able to follow safety RIVERSIDE. Contact: Rita Carleton, and operational procedures, maintain a Riverside Community SDA Church, 4850 strong attendance record, and commu- Jurupa Ave., Riverside, CA 92504, 951nicate well with others. Submit résumé 686-1886, rita_carleton@yahoo.com.: and cover letter to Human Resources, Rosie Abreu, Reginald Ackerman, Carlos e-mail: hr@puc.edu, fax: 707-965-6400, Acuna, Stephanie Ahonen, Wolfram or mail: One Angwin Avenue, Angwin, Ahonen, Teresa Alberga, Joshua Allen, CA 94508.

Shandar Almeida, Benjamin Almodovar, Jr., Rudy Alvarado, Wesley Amundson, PACIFIC UNION COLLEGE, located Renee Anderson, Elsa Angel, Josefina in the hills above California’s Napa Anglin, Eunice Antoine, Weldon Antoine, Valley, seeks a psychologist for a tenure Mariana Badony, Leah Baliel, Lucy track faculty position to open July 1, Chilson Ball, Amanda Barbian, Kathy 2014. Qualified candidates should Barger, Asher Barrientos, Ritch Barron, have an earned doctorate degree in Julia Baugh, Robert Beam, Robert psychology (ABD will be considered) Beckett, Millicent Beers, Liz Bendezu, and be committed to and demonstrate John Bergeron, June Blaylock, Leah excellence in teaching research methods Bocian, Jeremiah Bouey, Mary Boyd, to undergraduate students, as well as Sally Braun, Bennie Brist, Janise Burford, active involvement in student research. Waldo Burford, Brandon Burton, Ryan Submit curriculum vitae and cover letter Burton, Clarice Butler, Wilma Caan, to our Human Resources Office, e-mail: Marcela Calvo, Donald Alan Cameron, hr@puc.edu, fax: 707-965-6400, or mail: Jr., Lisa Cameron, Ken Campbell, Caludia One Angwin Avenue, Angwin, CA 94508. Camero, Daphne Carrico.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks dynamic professional for position of Research Services Librarian who is committed to providing excellent public service, reference, and information literacy instruction. Successful candidate will have a master’s degree or higher in library/information science or related field and will have an expressed commitment to Jesus Christ, and be a Seventh-day Adventist church member in good and regular standing. Must be comfortable with instructional technology. Prior library and/or teaching experience preferred. Send résumé and cover letter to dmaxwell@southern.edu.

Missing Members

Real Estate COUNTRY HOME in Willcox, Ariz.

4-bdrm, 2-bath, new metal roof, paint, and laminate wood flooring. Large kitchen. Open floor plan. Garage and barn. 12 fruit trees and fenced garden.

Residential well. Wood stove and furnace. 1,945 sq. ft. on 5 acres. $180,000.

Call for pictures. 520-404-3739.

TIME TO MOVE away to the country?

Only 105 miles Tucson; Elfrida, Ariz. 82 acres, cell fenced, mature pecan orchard, equipment, 100 fruit trees, 100 grapes.

2,300 sq. ft.; nice home, plus guest house, barn, equipment shed. Excellent private well, Chiricahua Nat. Wilderness very close. For details, see Viviun.com, AD-192549; $425,000. Real private.

520-642-1762 or thebranch.jan@gmail. com.

PLACERVILLE. Contact: Warren Tooker, clerk, Placerville Adventist Church, 6831 Mother Lode Drive, Placerville CA 95667.

530-622-2446, placervillesda@sbcglobal. net: Rachelle Baldwin, Jeffrey Baskins, WOULD YOU LIKE to live close to Loma Jay V. Blake, Donald Dinges, Jr., Cynthia Linda in the beautiful San Bernardino Hall, Anthony Napolitano, Walter Rice Mountains? On 1.1 acres, approximately 3,000 sq. ft. home, private well. Relax,

recorder

sit back on your veranda and enjoy the serenity. Close to Arrowhead Village. $324,900. Please call 909-338-4746.

Reunions GLENDALE ACADEMY’S Homecoming (May 3) Continental breakfast 9 a.m.; program 10 a.m.; lunch in cafeteria.

Honor classes: ‘04 thru 1934. May Festival, Sun., May 4. Join us on Facebook: Glendale Adventist Academy Alumni Group and Glendale Adventist Academy, classes of the 60s and 70s.

LA SIERRA ACADEMY Alumni ‘14 Weekend on campus (May 2-3) Honor classes: ‘54, ‘64, ‘74, ‘84, ‘89, ‘94 & ‘04.

Friday evening reception, LSA Library; Sabbath alumni services, potluck, campus tours and class reunions. Info: 951-351-1445, ext. 244; JNelson@ lsak12.com; www.lsak12.com.

Vacation Opportunities BIG ISLAND, HAWAII – Hilltop Haven.

Studio vacation rental, in beautiful Waimea (paradise). Private entrance, kitchen, washer/dryer, DISH & Glorystar.

See vacationrentals.com #67406 for more details. Contact us for very affordable special rates through the website or call us direct, Patsy & Dale,

808-885-6467. Say you saw this in the Recorder.

MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN CONDO Available: Beautiful, spacious threebedroom plus loft and three baths.

Snow-Creek Condominium near Eagle Lodge and golf courses. Sleeps 10 comfortably. Discounted winter and summer rates. For reservation, call 909-496-1630 or drskibum2b@gmail.com.

RELAXING MAUI VACATION. Only a 3-minute walk to the beach! 1-bdrm w/ king-size bed. Clean & well-maintained.

Sleeps 4. Full kitchen, washer/dryer.

FREE parking, Wi-Fi, & calls to U.S./ Canada! 20 minute drive to friendly Kahului SDA church. Affordable rates.

Visit: www.vrbo.com/62799 or call Mark at 909-800-9841.

SUNRIVER, CENTRAL OREGON. Four bedroom vacation home on the North Woodlands golf course. Two master king suites, two queens one bunk set, hot tub, loft, Jacuzzi bath, gas log fireplace, BBQ, W/D, bikes, all resort amenities, sleeps 10, no smoking, no pets, includes housekeeping. For rates, photos and reservations call: 541-279-9553, 541-475-6463, or e-mail schultz@ crestviewcable.com.

Welcome Home to...

Silverado Orchards

Retirement Community Affordable, All-Inclusive Monthly Rent No Lease, Buy-ins or Add-ons • Three Nutritious Meals Every Day • Delicious, Fresh Salad Bar • Vegetarian or Clean Meat Options • Activities & Excursions • Housekeeping • Transportation • Health & Wellness Program • Hope Channel, LLBN and 3ABN • Beauty Salon • Guest Rooms • And Much More...

“We’re all about Family!”

PACIFIC UNION

www.pacificunionrecorder.com

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pacificunionrecorder.com

Family Owned Since 1978

(707) 963-3688

www.SilveradoOrchards.com

601 Pope Street, St. Helena, CA 94574

Advertisments HEISER, DONALD – b. Jan. 24, 1931, Lodi, Calif.; d. Oct. 11, 2013, Woodland, Calif. Survivors: wife, Nola; sons, Greg, Scott; daughters, Pamela Heiser Greek, Debra Heiser Murphy; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.

Fleckner, Melinda Marks; stepdaughter, Jana Wright; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; seven step WAGGONER, MARION F. – b. Dec. 8, grandchildren; brother, Fred. Served at ADAMS, EDWARD JOHNSTONE – b.

1921, Pomona, Calif.; d. March 25, 2013, Rio Lindo, Bakersfield, and Napa Junior Nov. 22, 1939, Miami, Fla.; d. March 21, St. Joseph, Mo. Survivors: son, John academies.

2013, Torrance, Calif. Survivor: daughter, Kenneth; daughter, Marcie WaggonerJuliet Fisher.

HOLMES, MARGARET – b. Jan. 19, Hassen; three grandchildren; sister, ZAPARA, IRENE ETHYL LOUISE 1915, Winnebago, Neb.; d. Oct. 22, Verle Stewart.

(KLEBE) – b. Jan. 18, 1923, Walker, BARNHILL, JOHN A. – b. March 30, 2013, Visalia, Calif. Survivors: husband, Minn.; d. Sept. 20, 2013, Sutter Creek, 1938, Sturgis, Ky.; d. Nov. 10, 2013, Los Harvey; sons, Terry, David; three grand- WAGGONER, SHARON E. – b. Oct. Calif. Survivors: husband, Wilbur; sons, Angles, Calif. Survivors: wife, Janet; son, children; eight great-grandchildren.

23, 1921, Dairyland, Wis.; d. March Ronald, Dale, Randy, Terry; daughter, John Jr.; daughters, Schylar, Elayna Mof15, 2013, St. Joseph, Mo. Survivors: Charlene Borris; eight grandchildren; fitt; three grandchildren; brother, Ceola. HOYT, JEANETTE L. (RICE) – b. Sept. son, John Kenneth; daughter, Marcie three great-grandchildren.

8, 1937, Madras, India; d. Aug. 18, 2013, Waggoner-Hassen; three grandchildren; BLANCHARD, MARGARET M. – b.

Napa, Calif. Survivors: son, Steve; five brother, Lee. Served as a pilot in WWII Oct. 19, 1923, Kalamazoo, Mich.; d. Oct. grandchildren; brother, David. and worked at White Memorial Hospital.

PACIFIC UNION 31, 2013, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: son, Jerald Newton; daughter, Rashelle HUBBARD, RICHARD – b. Dec. 24, WERNER, JOANNE (DALGLEISH) .com Stirewalt; six grandchildren; nine 1929, Battle Creek, Mich.; d. March 27, – b. Sept. 15, 1935, Keene, Texas; great-grandchildren.

2013, Redlands, Calif. Survivors: wife, d. Nov. 10, 2013, Loma Linda, Calif.

Connie; sons, Robert, Jeff; daughter, Survivors: husband, Don; daughters, BOUIT, MILDRID O. (JORDAL) – b.

Karen; five grandchildren.

Cherry Ashlock, Merry Herrmann, March 26, 1936, Stadanger, Norway; d.

Judy Meyer; seven grandchildren; two Oct. 9, 2013, Lincoln, Calif. Survivors: LIND, ROSALIND M. (MEIER) – b. great-grandchildren.

Advertising is accepted as a service to husband, Jean-Jacques; sons, Alain, May 9, 1930, Lodi, Calif.; d. Oct. 11, Seventh-day Adventist Church members Troy; daughter, Michele; six grandchil2013, Ellensburg, Wash. Survivors: WHITE, BARBARA (FLOWERDAY) – in the Pacific Union. The Recorder dren; sister, Soster Hjertsen. Served as a stepson, Stephen; stepdaughter, Kathb. Feb. 19, 1958, Anderson, S.C.; d. Oct. management reserves the right to secretary/bookkeeper for the following leen Herring; four grandchildren; sister, 10, 2013, Paradise, Calif. Survivors: sons, refuse any advertisement, especially missions in West Africa: Ivory Coast, Lorene Soderstrom. Served in the NCC Jerrod, Thomas, Richard. ads not related to the needs and Senegal and Sahel Union.

Book and Bible House in Oakland. practices of the Church membership.

Correction: YOUNKER JR., ROY Acceptance of any advertising shall be BROWN, GARY EDWARD – b. Nov. 27, LUCE, SHIRLEY DIANE – b. March 3, DAVID – b. Aug. 24, 1937, Auburn, considered a matter of accommodation 1952, Ind.; d. Oct. 21, 2013, St. Helena, 1935, Boise, Idaho; d. Sept. 30, 2013, Calif.; d. Aug. 28, 2013, Redding, Calif. and not a matter of right, nor shall it Calif. Survivors: wife, Barbara; son, Kyle; Napa, Calif. Survivors: cousins, Carolyn Survivors: wife, Janice; sons, David, be construed to constitute approval daughter, Brittany.

Savage, Pat Ruziuka, Pat Golden, Max Ralph, Timothy; stepsons, Rockland, of the product or service advertised.

Bowers.

Gregory, Travis; daughters, Lucinda Payment — Payment in advance BULLER, EVELYN LORRAINE (DAHL) must accompany all classified – b. Dec. 23, 1920, Taft, Calif.; d. Sept.

MATA, ROBERT – b. March 2, 1939, advertisements or they will not be 30, 2013, Sacramento, Calif. Survivors: Santa Paula, Calif.; d. Nov. 9, 2013, published. Display ads for known daughter, Patricia Stump; six grandchil- Victorville, Calif. Survivors: wife, Lili; advertisers will be billed. To pay by dren; five great-grandchildren; sister, sons, Robert Jr., Tony; daughters, credit card, please call 805-413-7280.

Dorothy Monson.

Yolanda, Nanci; 14 grandchildren; 11 How to Submit Advertising — great-grandchildren.

Classified ads must be sent with CASTILLO, MARTHA AYALA – b. payment to the Recorder office March 1, 1928, Phoenix, Ariz.; d. Nov. NANNEY, GENE GRAY – b. July 5, (commdept@puconline.org). Display 17, 2013, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: 1928, Paris, Tenn.; d. Nov. 17, 2013, ads should be arranged with the husband, Ruben; sons, Reuben, Xavier; Citrus Heights, Calif. Survivors: sons, editor (alicia@puconline.org). daughter, Sonia Frehn; seven grandchil- Clarence, Kelvin, Mark; daughters, Jean Classified Rates — $65 for 50 words; dren; one great-grandchild.

Buller Edell, Lily Henderson; six grand75 cents each additional word. children; six great-grandchildren.

COBB, EDWARD L. – b. Dec. 6, 1933, Display Rates (Full Color Only) — Los Angeles, Calif.; d. Sept. 4, 2013, SONNENBERG, ALMA (FLETCHER) Back cover, $3,950; full page, $3,650; Ukiah, Calif. Survivors: wife, Virgie; – b. March 13, 1916, Broadwater, Neb.; 1/2-pg., $2,120; 1/4-pg., $1,150; daughters, Carol Roach, Sharon Spand. Nov. 12, 2013, Loma Linda, Calif.

1/8-pg., $575; $135 per column inch. gler, Sarah Cari-Roberts; stepdaughter, Survivor: son, Craig.

Information — Circulation is Meschil Lafuente; eight grandchildren; approximately 76,000 homes, and five great-grandchildren.

TAYLOR, BENJAMIN F. – b. Aug. 11, magazines are scheduled to arrive 1948, Napa, Calif.; d. Nov. 7, 2013, Napa, in homes by the last Thursday of the FORD, CHARLES WILLIAM – b. July Calif. Survivors: stepdaughter, Sebree previous month. For more info, please 7, 1925, Los Angeles, Calif.; d. July 22, Loveall-Hawkins; two grandchildren; click the Advertising tab at www.

2013, Paradise, Calif. Survivors: wife, brothers, Jeff, Jim, Don. pacificunionrecorder.com, e-mail Wanda; daughters, Karen, Kim Stewart, commdept@puconline.org Jan Hamlin; 11 grandchildren; five UNTERSEHER, EDITH LIND (CURor call 805-413-7280. great-grandchildren.

RIER) – b. Nov. 17, 1928, Orlando, Fla.; 2014 Deadlines — d. Nov. 5, 2013, Lodi, Calif. Survivors: Please note that these are the advertising GROSS, GERALD JOHN – b. Oct. 6, husband, Calvin; son, Andrew Lind Jr.; deadlines for the Recorder. Your local 1932, Nyack, N.Y.; d. Sept. 20, 2013, daughters, Connie McNeil, Nina Gillette; conference news deadlines will be earlier.

Oroville, Calif. Survivors: wife, Pat; son, brother, Clarence Currier; six grandchilFebruary: January 2 Don; daughters, Sandie, Julie; stepson, dren; 10 great-grandchildren.

March: January 28 Curtis; stepdaughter, Charlin; 10 April: February 25 May: April 1 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; VEJAR, MAVIS – b. April 8, 1924, June: April 29 sisters, Helen Henry, Janice Cobb.

Stockton, Calif.; d. Oct. 18, 2013, July: May 27 Walnut Creek, Calif. Survivors: son, Craig Reeder; three grandchildren; three

AT REST

great-grandchildren. Taught at Pleasant Hill Discoveryland Preschool.

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J a n u a r y 2014

ArizonaNEWS Fr om the P resident…

This World is NOT Our Home

H

Tony Anobile President

appy New Year! It seems impossible 2014 is already here, but indeed it is. As we begin the New Year, it is good to take time for reflection and conviction. As we reflect, we realize we are still here in this world of sin. Another year has begun and we are not yet home. I can’t get excited about that — I want to go home.

The well known hymn “This World is Not Our Home” reminds us this world in its present condition is not our home.

This newsletter is stitched into the Recorder and is only available to Arizona Conference members.

Each conference within the Pacific Union provides a newsletter such as this in the Recorder every-other month.

Arizona

NEWS

This world is not my home I’m just a passing through My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore Oh Lord you know I have no friend like you If heaven’s not my home then Lord what will I do The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore Could it be we are settling in and feeling comfortable with this life? We need to get uncomfortable and genuinely feel we are not of this world, therefore not yet home. Jesus’ Priestly Prayer recorded in John 17 emphasizes this very thing: “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your

truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.” — John 17:14-19, NKJV It is also a time of conviction because we need to desire to do all in our power to share the truth about Jesus in our communities so our friends and neighbors can know and experience the love of Jesus and learn of His soon return.

Yes, a New Year is a time for new opportunities, new resolutions, and better promises. Remember — we’re still on the journey. My prayer is that we not become complacent. Rather may we recommit more than ever to fulfill the Gospel Commission so Jesus can come and we can go home — yes our real home!

Just to get you excited today, here is Jesus’ promise to you and me!

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” — John 14:1-3, NIV

Tony Anobile

iPads Introduced

by Evelyn Saravia

to School Classrooms

F

or 77 years Glenview Adventist Academy (GAA) in Glendale, Ariz. has offered students a promising Christian education. Recently new technology was implemented to increase the value of their education. Glenview has a goal to “help each student develop their mind and their talents through academic excellence.”

Glenview Principal Fernando Lista teaches fifth and sixth grades. This school year the fifth through eighthgraders arrived for their first day of class to find a mini iPad awaiting them at their desks.

Initially, some parents were reluctant to think this new technology would be beneficial for their children. Nonetheless, Lista moved forward with the project.

His inspiration for the idea began when he visited a small Adventist school in Prescott, Ariz. in 2012.

“A couple years ago, I was introduced to Prescott Principal Aaron Long, a visionary who realized the benefits of implementing this new technology in the classroom,” Lista said. “I returned to Glenview and wanted to provide the same learning tools for my students.”

Initial reactions to the idea by his staff were not all positive, but he persisted.

Eventually his entire team was on board!

The iPad project was estimated to cost $35,000 to $40,000. In a four-month period the school raised $10,000. Next he involved the Glendale Seventh-day Adventist Church congregation and

Arizona

NEWS

Malachi Chapman uses the iPad in his classes at Prescott Adventist Christian School.

invited them to donate another $10,000.

With $20,000 in hand, Lista approached the Arizona Conference for help. Seeing the enthusiasm for the project and realizing the learning advantages a mini-iPad could provide to the students, the Conference voted to contribute to the project.

Today the project is being utilized with great satisfaction by teachers and students. “Students still use textbooks as references,” explains Lista, “and they also take notes in a notebook, but most everything in done on the iPads.”

Eighth grader Josephine Kayitesti uses the iPad to complete her math, science, spelling, and other subjects. She says,

Glenview student Kenneth Martin is fascinated with his iPad mini.

“It’s easy to use and if you don’t get something right, you can look it up on the Internet. It’s very cool.”

“Using the Internet in class was not allowed until the iPads were introduced,” explains Lista. “So far, it has been helpful for the students.”

Karen Romero is the mother of two 5th and 8th grade students, and a teacher at Glenview. “At first I wasn’t really thrilled with the idea,” confessed Romero. “But once I saw what they were doing with it, I decided this is great!” She is eager to explain the students are not working on the iPad all the time. The students are given a task to do on the iPad, then focus on the teacher again.

Next school year, Lista is planning to implement the iPad program in the third and fourth grade classrooms. Eventually he hopes to have the whole elementary school teach through these new marvels of technology.

Nadia Martinez uses her iPad for school projects.

Oracle Annual Health Fair

by Bonnie Gift

O

racle’s annual Health Fair on October 13, 2013 was a great success with approximately 70 visitors in the group of 92 attending from the communities of Oracle and San Manuel, and as far away as Phoenix and Tucson. Several health care professionals donated their time to answer questions and present a program of healthful living. The afternoon included cooking demonstrations, blood pressure screenings, tasty food samples and fruit smoothies.

Cooking demonstrations were a hit with all ages, including one boy who commented, “Who is that amazing chef in the kitchen? This food tastes great!”

All food samples were completely plantbased, free of preservatives, cholesterol and were low fat.

“I learned how to make fruit smoothies and juicing from my grandmother who

Jan Plank-Powell and Victor Powell provided plant-based cooking demonstrations with the assistance of the Oracle Team.

bought me a blender for my 6th birthday,” said eight-year-old Matthew Jensen, who was demonstrating fruit smoothies for the crowd. “I have fun making them for my whole family for breakfast and after school. My specialty has frozen strawberries, frozen pineapple, fresh bananas and Cran-Cherry juice. It gives me a lot of energy so I can run faster.”

Dr. Ted Crawford challenged many to start a 21-day plant-based diet to take personal charge of their health. With heart disease the number one killer of

Julie Henderson shared the wonderful benefits of nuts.

both men and women, it was emphasized that heart problems, as well as many diseases, such as cancer, Type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are largely preventable and reversible through natural remedies.

Jan Plank’s lecture on “No Chemotherapy and No Radiation” was encouraging to many who have a choice in their healthcare decisions.

The practice of following the eight simple steps of lifestyle was encouraged: Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunshine, Temperance, Air, Rest, and Trust in God. It was suggested that anyone seeking more information about the NEWSTART program can look up newstart.com on the internet.

Matthew Jensen put on his gloves to make his specialty fruit smoothies to share.

Arizona

NEWS

Payson Seventh-day Adventist Church

Holds “Pioneer Sabbath”

F

by Arnie Sutter

or many years members of the Payson Seventh-day Adventist Church have been observing an annual “Pioneer Sabbath,” a day set aside to honor the pioneers of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They also honor and remember Payson Gary and Darlene Daymude join in the spirit of Pioneer Sabbath. church’s own pioneering The Payson Women’s Choir shared songs of hope and inspiration. founders who had the inspiration and conviction to the evening’s activities which included a plant the seeds of Adventism in the early dedicated elder, Dan Bramble. The rousing hour-long gospel concert by the 1960’s in a rugged and remote Arizona church service began with the heartfelt combined Ladies Chorus and Bluegrass mountain community. singing of many of the old-time hymns.

Band comprised of members of both An inspiring homily by Elder Ed Keyes The annual celebration is marked by two full days of joyous activities where the included a poignant recount of the “Great the Payson and the Gilbert churches. A closing prayer of thankfulness to God members dress in the charming old styles Disappointment” that was experienced for His many blessings over the years by by the early believers when their fervent in vogue 150 years ago. The apparel Pastor Steve Salsberry concluded this expectation of Jesus’ Second Coming on includes colorful long dresses and satin memorable weekend.

October 22, 1844 was not to be realized. bonnets for the ladies, and distinguished The Payson members are already old-time clothes including tails, top hats, The church service was followed by an excitedly looking forward to next year’s suspenders, Western bolo ties and boots old-fashioned “Potluck in the Park” at Pioneer Sabbath, which will include a for the “gents.”

Payson’s Rumsey Park. A well-deserved special observation of the Payson church’s ‘rest period’ for Gilbert visitors followed, The gala celebration was held the Golden Anniversary. hosted by Dr. Harley Schalesky and his weekend of October 26, 2013 and was wife Angeline and her mother Ann in doubly honored by the participation of their home. This was in preparation for members of their new sister church in Gilbert, Ariz. The festivities were launched with a Friday vesper service, where they had the privilege of hearing Arizona Conference President Tony Anobile share encouraging and inspiring words.

This was followed Sabbath morning with a lively Bible study “Pioneer” worshippers Monty and led by Payson’s newly Sandy Shannon.

The children’s story was presented by Kathy Siler.

Arizona

NEWS

central ACTS

oy J

The Power of

March 7 - 8, 2014

At The

San Francisco Philadelphian Adventist Church Guest Speakers: Jerry & Janet Page events for all ages Childcare available

The bridge to god

free parking For more info visit cccprayer.adventistfaith.org PUBLISHER Central California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Editor-in-Chief Costin Jordache

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Contact Us Central California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists P.O. Box 770 Clovis, CA 93613 559.347.3000

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_ HO`IKE

VISIONS OF PARADISE

JANUARY 2014

| NEWS, INFORMATION AND INSPIRATION FOR THE HAWAII CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

PAGE 2 | The Kailua church recently held a family ministry event. One seminar featured family worship — it’s value, tips for getting started, and ideas on how to do it in a busy family.

PAGE 3 | The mission for Adventists in Hawaii is clear — Each One Reach One (or ten!). To do that, we must Reach Up (worship), Out (evangelism), Around (fellowship) and In (nurture).

PAGE 4 | Sandy Rivera attended an Adventist school, but wandered away from God for many years. The influence of two Adventist teachers eventually brought her back.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE STRIVES TO SHIELD THE VULNERABLE

BY GERRY CHRISTMAN, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

Aloha, Hawaii Conference Ohana, It is my privilege to report a potpourri of actions from the Hawaii Conference Executive Committee.

Let me start by paying tribute to Robert H. Lloyd for his 21 years of pastoral leadership in the Hawaii Conference — six as executive secretary. Our sympathies in his untimely death extend to his wife, Margaret, his children, the Kailua church where he pastored and, of course, to the entire conference where he ministered.

Shield the Vulnerable is a confere n c e -w i d e in itiative designed to raise awareness and to prevent mistreatment of the vulnerable, that is, children. All

Pathfinder/Adventurer leaders, children’s Sabbath school teachers, VBS adult staff and those in our churches ministering to children are to complete online training by March 1, 2014. Please visit shieldthevulnerable.com for more information.

A strategy is now in place to exit the conference’s Kahili Mountain Park lease agreement at Kahili Mountain Park. This beautiful park in Kauai committee recommended the date of April 26, 2015, for the conference’s 2015 Constituency has required considerable financial underwriting for many years. The Executive Committee Meeting. has, for quite some time, felt that financially I have been given the distinct honor of comsubsidizing the park was not the best utilizamunicating to you decisions of the Executive tion of the conference’s limited resources.

Committee. I look forward to sharing with I want to mention two other items that you in this column what God is doing in Hawaii. were recently voted. First is the Executive Committee’s affirmation of an action taken in So, until the next time, remember: Don’t be 2004: The minimum educational requirement tense about the future — for God is present. for pastors working in the Hawaii Conference is a Master of Divinity degree. Second, the Gerry Christman January 2014 -

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SAVE THE DATE

Youth Department Events

BY JESSE SEIBEL, YOUTH DIRECTOR There’s always something going on in Hawaii for kids. Take note of the following: DROP THE DRAMA, RISE TO WIN – Hawaiian Mission Academy and the Hawaii Conference youth and children’s departments teamed up to offer a Sabbath focused on spiritual and relational growth. Presenters Lisa Diller and Sari Leman shared how to overcome conflict, deal with personalities, and take responsibility for personal relationships.

SUMMER CAMP 2014 – Register now at campwaianae.org to take advantage of discounts. For those interested in being part of our Summer Camp Lifeline Team, please visit the website after March 1 for an application form. We are looking for those 18 and up to serve as counselors, activity leaders, lifeguards, kitchen staff, and more!

FOREVER FAITHFUL – Pathfinders, have you reserved your place at the International Camporee in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Aug. 11-17?

More than 30,000 pathfinders will be gathering. You don’t want to miss this event! Visit camporee.org.

JUST CLAIM IT AND IGNITION – Senior Youth and Young Adults from all across the NAD will gather Feb. 19-23 for two separate events.

Visit JCI4.org.

Visit Hawaiiyouth.org for more info on all of the Hawaii Conference youth activities.

• Jan. 17-20 … RECLAIM Young Adult Retreat @ Camp Waianae • Feb. 2 … Pathfinder Olympics/Presidential Fitness • Feb. 7-9 … HandnHand @ Ministry Training Center • Feb. 19-23 … Just Claim It/Ignition NAD Youth Prayer Conference @ Miami, Fla. • April 4-6 … Youth Bible Camp @ Camp Waianae • June 22-27 … Camp H50 (Ages 13+) • July 4 … Pathfinder Parade @ Kailua • July 6-11 … Adventure Camp (Ages 8-12) • July 13-18 … Extreme Camp (Ages 12-14) • July 20-25 … Camp Exodus (Ages 15+) • Aug. 11-17 … Pathfinder International Camporee @ Oshkosh, Wis. • Oct. 5 … Pathfinder Fair @ Kapilolani Park • Oct. 17-19 … Big Island Youth Retreat • Dec. 6 … Youth Church

Kailua Church Event Focuses on Family Worship

BY FERYL HARRIS, CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR Kailua church members attended a Sabbath afternoon family-focused event Oct. 26. A seminar about family worship was very popular.

In this busy world where family members are rushing out the door on a daily basis, has family worship become an activity of the past? If so, where does the spiritual guidance come from for the children of our modern families? “We don’t even sit down to a meal together anymore,” complained a mother of two. “That was a no-no in my family when I was growing up.”

“One avenue to instill spiritual values in children is through a family worship experience,” reminded presenter Feryl Harris. It instills in

the minds of the children that they are valued, develops a “team spirit,” creates pleasant memories, and fosters a personal walk with Jesus and familiarity with Scripture.

Some suggestions from the seminar included taking the theme of the worship and acting it out, drawing a scene, writing a short song or poem, using nature, adding sound effects or any other number of creative ways to reinforce the lesson.

Family worship … worth the time and effort?

Absolutely.

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REACH HAWAII

Each One Reach One!

BY RALPH S. WATTS III, HAWAII CONFERENCE PRESIDENT

Dear Ohana – Happy New Year! I find it hard to believe another year has flown by and we are just that much closer to the blessed return and Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Until that glorious day, my appeal is for each of us to live with a sense of urgency for the mission of reaching the lost for Jesus. In these early moments of this New Year, let me review with you that mission: R E A C H H AWA I I : E a c h O n e Reach One! Through four core priorities —

#1: REACH UP – Worship: To corporately honor and celebrate God’s grace and help people experience a personal relationship with God. Goal: The desired goal is to provide a safe place for people to come to know Jesus, embrace the Seventh-day Adventist message, and grow to become disciples who, in turn, share Jesus and the Adventist message with others.

We embrace people regardless of race, national origin, gender, age, marital status, or disability. Hawaii’s paradise truly is a microcosm of heaven’s paradise!

#2: REACH OUT – Evangelism: To seek those who don’t know Christ or have a church home and thus fulfill Christ’s command to go and make disciples through sowing, reaping and retaining.

Goal: The desired goal for our churches: • Develop plans for reaching the lost (our mission) • Organize evangelism outreach teams • Recruit/train/mobilize members • Develop a lifestyle of evangelism (sowing, reaping, retaining) • Conduct at least one reaping campaign in each church The desired goal for our schools is to reach our children and youth for Christ.

This focus fits perfectly with our Hawaii Conference emphasis on creating a culture of

evangelism. Instead of viewing evangelism as an event that occasionally occurs on the local church calendar, we are now seeing and experiencing evangelism as a lifestyle for the local congregation — a continual process of sowing, reaping and retaining. Simply put, a lifestyle of evangelism.

#3: REACH AROUND – Fellowship: To fully and faithfully embrace the church Ohana. Jesus prayed that we would be one and so we gather from across all cultural lines as we share this journey to the Kingdom.

Goal: The desired goal is to infuse all that we do, every activity, with a solid spiritual foundation. Some of these activities for fellowship include: • Continued effort on prayer ministries • Careful planning of yearly convocations • Sponsorship of mission trip opportunities • Women’s ministries • Men’s ministries • Camp Waianae • Revival meetings • Children ministries • Pathfinders • Worship services • Prayer meetings We are blessed to have a very specialized ministry operated as part of our conference spiritual growth. Camp Waianae serves as a ministry for not only summer camps but also a retreat center.

Goal: The desired goal is to utilize the Ministry Training Center (former ABC building) for: • Young adults • Youth • Adventurers • Pathfinders “With such an army of workers as our youth, rightly trained might furnish, how soon the message of a crucified, risen, and soon-coming Savior might be carried to the whole world” (Education, p. 271).

The MTC is further utilized for: • Pastors • Principals/teachers • Bible workers • Women’s ministries • Men’s ministries Finally: Our mission, mandate and marching orders are clear. Reach the lost for Christ in every home, neighborhood, community and city in Hawaii. “There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, by putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God” (Desire of Ages, p. 250, 251).

The gospel is only good news if it gets there in time!

As we enter 2014 and the blush of a brand New Year, let us each determine to remain passionately focused and committed to the mission God has given us.

#4: REACH IN – Nurture:

Aloha in Him,

To educate, train, support, and equip our members for ministry and life.

Ralph S. Watts III

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Tom Kapusta Headlines Planned Giving Seminar

BY FERYL HARRIS, TRUST DEPARTMENT FIELD REPRESENTATIVE

The Planned Giving Department of Hawaii Conference hosted an event Oct. 5 and 6, 2013, with presenter Tom Kapusta, CSPG, Planned Giving director for Florida Hospital Foundation in Orlando, Fla. The weekend event began on Friday evening at Honolulu Central church’s “Simply Worship,” where Tom and his wife, Gail, a retired patient healthcare advocate for Florida Hospital Foundation, met with the young adults and shared their unique spiritual journey. They spoke again at Kailua church on Sabbath morning. There, Tom spoke of his determination to lead Gail to his Roman Catholic faith while, at the same time, Gail was equally as determined to remain in her Protestant church. “In the end, the Lord led us both to embrace the Seventh-day Adventist faith,” said Tom. Sunday morning’s activities began as Tom met with Hawaii Conference pastors to evaluate how planned giving can be a blessing to the churches and schools of Hawaii. “Not only

has this been helpful on behalf of church members, it is valuable information for me on a personal basis,” said Pastor Jon Clark.

In the seminar that followed, “Living a Legacy through Estate Planning,” Tom pointed out that, nationally, 7 out of 10 individuals do not have a will or a trust in place at the time of their death. He reviewed the differences between the two and what circumstances would merit having one or both.

“I appreciate that Tom was able to help me explore options as to how my mother’s trust could work best for my family,” said Joyce

Tom Kapusta

Garrigus.

During dinner, Tom fielded individual inquiries from other participants.

Don’t want to get caught unprepared? Make your arrangements a priority. Call 595-7591 for help.

Feryl Harris

SOME PLANT, SOME WATER

BY DAVID A. ESCOBAR, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Hawaii Conference teachers are planting seeds for eternity in children’s hearts. Sometimes we don’t see the results for years to come.

Herb Souza has touched students’ lives at Adventist Malama Elementary for many years.

Sandy Rivera, a student with no Adventist background, graduated from Souza’s eighth grade class in 2003. Over the years, Rivera

faced many challenges, and found herself searching for a better life. She had wandered far from God, but her warm memories of Souza, who took time to challenge and care for her, drew her back.

One day, as Rivera wandered through the exhibit all at the county fair, she came across Vicky Perry, principal at Mauna Loa Adventist School, who was staffing the Hilo church evangelism booth. Rivera, who had not been in contact with the church since graduation, requested prayer and Bible studies. Perry became her spiritual mentor, and through her witness and encouragement, Rivera made the decision to follow Christ and was baptized in the Hilo church this year.

Sandy Rivera now, with her daughter.

Small schools often struggle and even close

Sandy Rivera (left) with her fellow classmates at Adventist Malama Elementary School.

because of financial challenges. Yet, without the seeds planted in her life at a small Adventist elementary school during a formative time of her life, Rivera might never have chosen to walk with God. Thank you to all our teachers who continue to plant seeds, to our support churches who give sacrificially, and to God, who causes all things to grow.

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KINGDOM MATTERS N o r t h e r n

C a l i f o r n i a

C o n f e r e n c e

N e w s l e t t e r

iStockphoto/Thinkstock

“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink.” (Matthew 25:35)

Serve Your Community

A I n

t h i s

i s s u e

.

.

.

Goal #5 Community Outreach: Enlarge Adventist ministry involvement in local communities.

NCC Congregations Celebrate Thanksgiving

by Building Relationships

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 1 January 2014

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Thinkstock

for Jesus

s I arrived home one day, a neighbor called out to me. After an exchange of pleasantries, she asked, “Does your church offer community service projects for your youth?” I assured her that we do. “I thought so,” she said.

“My church [another denomination] doesn’t have those kinds of opportunities, and I want my kids to know that it’s important to do things for others.” I was happy to put her in touch with someone in my local congregation to make arrangements.

Community service is on the minds of many today. It’s good to see people from diverse backgrounds getting involved in their local communities in practical ways. When people step up to help out, a great deal can be accomplished.

Christians should be the first to make a difference in their communities. Service should be part of our DNA, as it were, as Jesus’ representatives here. In Matthew 25:35-36, He told His followers: “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me” (New Living Translation).

These verses are

part of a description Jesus was giving about the end of time. He outlined the kinds of things God is looking for in His people. You’ll notice that here Jesus did not present a list of doctrines to memorize, or give a set of spiritual activities to perform – which are important, of course, as Scripture states.

But instead, here Jesus is focusing on how we relate to those who are in need, which is community service at its heart.

In verse 40 Jesus went on to say that His followers were amazed that they had done these things for their Lord. He responded, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the good activities of our faith communities.

We’re busy with worship, Bible study and fellowship events. But the work of God’s Church is not supposed to take place only within the walls of our buildings.

We have a responsibility to be present on the streets of our communities, with hands reaching out to help. That’s why our Strategic Goal #5 states that we will “enlarge Adventist ministry involvement in local communities.”

I pray that you will find new ways to represent Jesus in your community – remembering that as we help others, we are being a blessing to Jesus as well.

Peace. _____________________________

By Jim Pedersen, who serves as the president of the Northern California Conference.

Northern California Conference OF

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

Strategic 2012-2016

Plan

Goal #5

Community Outreach

Enlarge Adventist ministry involvement in local communities.

R

ecently, the Northern California Conference unveiled its strategic plan for 2012-2016. The plan includes eight goals, along with strategies to achieve them. This issue focuses on the fifth of the eight goals and how it is being implemented in the conference. Future editions will feature others.

(Above) Carmichael church members build a greenhouse, using three Maranatha Volunteers International OneDay Church kits. (Photos by John Wilt)

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Thinkstock

(Left) The NAD Health Ministries Director Katia Reinert will be the featured speaker at the NCC Wellness Weekend to be held at Leoni Meadows, March 7-9, 2014.

(Right) NCC Health Director Gordon Botting is looking for 12 churches to volunteer to present CREATION Health programs multiple times a year.

For more information about incorporating any of these ideas into your congregation’s plans for 2014, contact Gordon Botting at gordon.botting@nccsda.com.

Northern California

Adventists in Action www.facebook.com/ NorCalAdventistsinAction

At the beginning of each new year, many Adventist congregations resolve to reach out to their communities, but they are often unsure how to proceed. As director of NCC’s Adventist Community Services, health, and stewardship departments, Gordon Botting investigates the latest outreach methods from around the North American Division. He has some practical ideas for establishing strong relationships between churches and communities in 2014: Build a greenhouse. Only three years ago, 12 NCC churches had outdoor community gardens. Last year more than 40 had gardens, supplying vegetables to ACS organizations and local food banks—and leading to better community health and goodwill. “The next step is to build a greenhouse so that your church can supply fresh vegetables to the community year round,” said Botting. One option is to purchase the One-Day Church from Maranatha Volunteers International and adapt it for use as a greenhouse by installing clear corrugated sheets as the roof and putting in fold-up plastic walls.

The whole structure can be completed (minus the foundation) for about $5,000. With the help of Sacramento Adventist Academy students, Carmichael church members put three one-day churches together to create a greenhouse that is 140 feet long.

Churches can apply for a grant from the North American Division ACS fund to receive money for the project.

Train a health team. The upcoming Wellness Weekend at Leoni Meadows,

March 7-9, is the official NCC training for local church health ministry leaders.

The weekend’s speaker will be Katia Reinert, NAD health ministries director.

“Come and learn how to create a really vibrant and effective local health ministry,” said Botting.

Commit to Teaching CREATION Health. Many congregations have only one community outreach program per year, such as a health seminar; however, that is not enough to establish a church’s reputation in the community. “People may have a good experience at the seminar, and they may tell their friends, but it’s a whole year until the next event,” said Botting. He is looking for 12 NCC churches to commit to presenting Florida Hospital’s program CREATION Health a minimum of three times a year for two years.

The acronym CREATION stands for choice, rest, environment, activity, trust, interpersonal relationships, outlook and nutrition. “The program provides many jumping off points for a church to follow up with,” said Botting. For instance, if attendees seem interested in the “interpersonal relationships” aspect, the church can follow up with a seminar on parenting or marriage. Botting especially likes the program because it has already been adapted for various audiences, including senior citizens, schools and Vacation Bible Schools, and it offers a wide variety of materials, including Bible studies. (To learn more, visit www.creationhealth.com.)

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NCC Congregations

Celebrate Thanksgiving

by Building Relationships

N

orthern California Conference churches ministered to their communities and congregations in a variety of ways during the Thanksgiving season.

On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the Oakland Market Street church hosted its annual food giveaway, led by community services director Shonda Hansen. This year, more than 350 families received two bags of food—one full of fresh vegetables and the other containing canned food and other ingredients needed to prepare a Thanksgiving meal. Most people signed up ahead of time to receive the food, but nobody was turned away.

Church members, elders and Pastor Virgil Childs mingled with the people waiting in line, getting to know them and praying with them. “People would see us praying with others, and they would ask, ‘Can you pray for me, too?’” said Childs.

Every year, the church keeps in touch with the recipients, offering prayer and counseling, and inviting them to church events, such as a community child dedication. “It is so important to follow up with them,” said Childs. “We want to let them know: ‘The church is available for you.’”

The Oakland Spanish church invited its neighbors to a breakfast on Thanksgiving morning. More than 40 community members—some of them homeless—dined on Mexican-style eggs, beans, tortillas and oatmeal. Each guest also received a hot Thanksgiving dinner in an aluminum foil takeaway container.

On past Thanksgivings, the men of the church have cooked breakfast for the women, but this year the church’s community services organization, headed by Tini Durón, prepared the meal and invited members and neighbors to eat together.

The event was part of sustained outreach efforts that the congregation has been making during the past several years to get acquainted with their neighbors. “If we can do events like this on a regular basis, we

hope some kind of friendship can develop,” said Pastor Richard Dena. “We want to bridge the gaps in our lifestyles and become a place where our neighbors don’t feel uncomfortable—where they can see that we genuinely care for them.”

The Palo Cedro church distributed 63 food boxes to community families in need. The annual event begins each year when youth assemble the boxes and include in each one a shopping list of items for a traditional feast for six to eight people.

On the Sabbath before Thanksgiving, the church invites each family to take a box, fill it with the items on the list, and bring it back on Tuesday evening. (The church youth group does the shopping for any unclaimed boxes.) Donations enable the church to purchase the most expensive items for the dinners.

Church members are excited to do something special for families in need.

“When members really understand what the gospel is calling us to, there is this innate sense that they want to give,” said Associate Pastor Don Smith.

“Instead of just telling people to be good news, we believe in giving them the opportunity to engage in it—and it’s fun!”

On Thanksgiving Day, volunteers from the Pleasant Hill Hispanic American company hosted a traditional homemade dinner for 152 people. They served their guests in a parking lot located on a busy street in the nearby city of Concord, where many working poor and homeless people gather. Each diner received a free copy of El Centinela or Signs of the Times magazines. Afterward, church members took the remainder of the food to some homeless people in continued on the next page

(Top) Community members line up to receive bags of food from the Oakland Market Street church. (Above) People register before receiving their food.

The congregation follows up with the recipients throughout the year, inviting them to various church events.

(Photos: Sykes Photography) (Inset below) A sign in front of the Oakland Spanish church invites community members to a Thanksgiving morning breakfast. (Below) Church members and community members eat breakfast together.

(Photos: Richard Dena)

(Below) Rudy Yost, head of Palo Cedro church’s Bread of Life food bank (right), assists a community member with a food box. (Inset) Each box contained the ingredients for a complete Thanksgiving dinner. (Photos by Diane Butler)

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To learn how you can secure your future, simply give us a call or visit our website.

Northern California Conference Planned Giving and Trust Services www.trustnorthern.org I (888) 434-4622

another part of the city.

Although they advertised the meal ahead of time, the volunteers weren’t sure what to expect. “I was afraid people wouldn’t come,” said the congregation’s secretary Juanita Falen. To her surprise, so many people came that the group had to go buy more plates.

The guests expressed their gratitude for the good meal, and church members were excited to see the results of their efforts.

“Everybody got motivated,” said Falen.

“They started asking, ‘What can we do for Christmas?’”

Each year at Thanksgiving time, the Vallejo Central church hosts an evening of fun and fundraising. This year’s event started with a free concert of vocal and instrumental music presented by church members and friends, followed by a free Thanksgiving dinner.

Afterward, attendees enthusiastically participated in a rousing auction. Items up for bid included baked treats, customized gift baskets, gift certificates and more. This

continued from the previous page

year the auction raised $1,200, and an offering collected during the concert raised $500. The money will benefit the church’s Adventurer and Pathfinder clubs, as well as victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

Apart from the fundraising, the event itself is important. “It’s definitely a time of community building and church family bonding,” said Pastor Jon Cicle. “It’s a blessing to the whole church.”

The evening’s organizer Adventurer Club Director Annaliza Wilensky agrees.

“By doing these events together, we are making a difference in the lives of our young children, and we are preparing them for heaven.”

Members of these and other congregations throughout Northern California are living up to the conference motto: “Doing What Matters for the Kingdom.” Read about them at www.facebook.com/NorCalAdventistsinAction, and share what is happening at your church.

Check out the new Northern California Conference website.

SAME WEBSITE ADDRESS.

NEW LOOK. www.ncc.adventist.org

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With a charitable gift annuity, you transfer your cash or investments to us and we pay you fixed income for life. Your payment amount will never change and is backed by all of our assets making it a reliable source of income for your future.

Many young people were part of the Vallejo Central church concert: (top) J.V. Ellorin and Angel Wilensky; (inset) Brooker Fernander, Rachelle Deras and Jea Ordaz; (bottom) Celeste and Kylee Wong. (Photos by Carlos Deras)

Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

401 Taylor Boulevard, P.O. Box 23165, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (925) 685-4300 • Fax (925) 685-4380 www.ncc.adventist.org I info@ncc.adventist.org Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. I Mon-Thurs (Above) Pleasant Hill Hispanic American company members pray in the parking lot where they served Thanksgiving dinner. (Right) Luisa Falla, Bryan Martinez and Maria Rocha talk with a community man on Thanksgiving Day. (Photos by Adan Martinez)

President, Jim Pedersen I Executive Secretary, Marc Woodson Treasurer, John Rasmussen

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Nevada-Utah Nevada-Utah Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 10475 Double R Boulevard, Reno NV 89521 Phone: 775-322-6929 • Fax: 775-322-9371

Views

Focused On Jesus,

We Witness to the World

by Larry Unterseher President, Nevada-Utah Conference

S

of these series, please contact your pastor or the Conference office.

In this issue...

•

Focused On Jesus, We Witness to the World

•

“CROSS Training” Evangelism

•

Wonderful Opportunities for You to Get Involved in the Coming Events of the Nevada-Utah Conference in 2014

•

Upcoming Events

•

Discover Planned Giving

to /Thinks

/iStock

n Muresa

Footsteps of Jesus campaign.

partner, Bible worker or any number of other support staff positions.

ck

There is an amazing series about the life of Jesus that includes DVDs, leader’s manual, 25 participant workbook sets, and 1,000 mail-out cards. This is a high quality program divided into four sets of seven programs that anyone can lead. If you would like to help sponsor one

January 2014

M George

now blanketed the Developing your neighborhood over the personal testimony. A weekend and witnessing “to wonderful resource from the the world” unfolded early Sunday Pathfinder’s Bible is available on morning. A younger couple in the Conference website to help the neighborhood cheerfully you develop your testimony. went door-to-door (or rather Going deeper. If you driveway-to-driveway) clearing the would like even further training driveways and sidewalks for older get involved with the training Larry Unterseher residents who had difficulty doing that Westney White describes this task. Was this witnessing? Of course! Was on page 2 of this insert. it “to the world”? Again, of course! Witnessing Going even deeper. There are some can take on many forms and “the world” starts of you that may feel God’s calling to in our neighborhoods. become a Lay Pastor. We are developing This new year it is our prayer that each a Nevada-Utah Conference Lay Pastors member in Nevada-Utah Conference finds Training Course that will be available a method of witness that fits him or her. As to those who feel this calling. If you are you are finding your particular niche, please interested, please contact me for details. consider the following: May God richly bless you as you Public Evangelism. Some of you may “Witness To The World”. want to get involved in public evangelism by Some of you may want being a speaker, practical living presenter, financial partner, Bible worker or any number to get involved in public of other support staff positions. This may be evangelism by being a for one of the events listed on pages 2-3 of this insert or it may be one you would like to create speaker, practical living and organize. presenter, financial

Focused on Jesus, we witness to the world!

Nevada-Utah www.NUCadventist.comNevada-Utah www.NUCadventist.com

Views Views

“CROSS Training” Evangelism

by Westney White

J

esus said, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” The CROSS Training initiative is designed to help answer the prayer that Jesus asked us to pray.

Each CROSS Trainer will be qualified to proactively train small groups of lay members in a thorough, simple, Paradigm Shift, But Nothing “New” systematic, and Although Bible Workers have been doing a great work for many years, our objective is not practical way.

simply to have them do all the work. As CROSS Trainers, they equip, train, and activate church members to become the “Bible workers” and “Evangelists” in their local churches.

Instead of calling the instructors “Bible workers” we are now calling them “CROSS Trainers”. “CROSS” is an acronym for “Churches Reaching Out to Serve and Save.” Each CROSS

Trainer will be qualified to proactively train small groups of lay members in a thorough, simple, systematic, and practical way. The trainees will then be activated to go into the community, find interested people, serve them, study with them, invite them to evangelistic meetings, and see Jesus bring in the harvest.

The Greatest Help

“The greatest help that can be given our people is to teach them to work for God, and to depend on Him, not on the ministers” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol 7, p. 19).

Westney White is the Literature Evangelism Coordinator for the Nevada-Utah Conference.

Wonderful Opportunities for You to Get Involved in the Coming Events of the Nevada-Utah Conference in 2014 • January 1 through 4 – “Let’s Go Higher” seminar with Pastor Sheldon Bryan at Salt Lake Central SDA Church, Salt Lake City, Utah.

• January 5 through 11 – Week of prayer “Letters to Over Comers” with Pastor Sheldon Bryan at the Tala Ki Mamani SDA Church, West Valley City, Utah.

• January 19 through April 12 – Evangelism Training School at the Ogden SDA Church, Ogden, Utah.

• January 24 and 25 – Four part series with Pastor Ryan Simpson, Southern New England Conference Youth Director, at the Salt Lake Central SDA Church, Salt Lake City, Utah.

• Beginning January 22 and continuing two evenings a week and

Focused on Jesus, we witness to the world!

Nevada-Utah Views www.NUCadventist.com

Sabbath mornings, through late spring – Prophecy Seminar at the Utah Samoan SDA Church, Taylorsville, Utah.

• Beginning February on the second Sabbath of each month – A series of monthly One-Day Prophecy Seminars covering Daniel and Revelation at the Vernal SDA Church, Vernal, Utah.

• February 2 – Superbowl Party for the Community – 4:00 p.m. at The Community Vineyard, Ogden, Utah.

• February 8 – International Day with Pastor Don McLeod, leveraging Immigrant Communities, especially our Rwandese, University of Utah African & AfricanAmerican Student Unions and Black Network from Goldman Sachs at Salt Lake Central SDA Church, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Upcoming

Beyond” at the Salt Lake City library, Salt Lake City, Utah.

• Spring dates to be announced – Daniel Seminar at the Susanville SDA Church, Susanville, California.

• Spring dates to be announced – “Tracing the Footsteps of Jesus” at the Hawthorne SDA Church, Hawthorne, Nevada.

Prayer Ministries Retreat January 31-February 2 Las Vegas Pathfinder Bible Experience (area) February 1 NAD Just Claim It February 19-22 Pathfinder Bible Experience (conference) March 1 Pathfinder Bible Experience (union) March 29 Singles Retreat May 2-4 Las Vegas

And…Something to look forward to:

• September 3 through 12 – “Good News that Lasts” gospel seminar at Salt Lake Central SDA Church, Salt Lake City, Utah.

• October 2 through 24 – “What Happens in Vegas…Could be Eternal.” Are you willing to gamble? At the Abundant Life SDA Church, Las Vegas, Nevada.

• October 17 through 19 – Health Ministries Weekend at Salt Lake Central SDA Church, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Christopher Futcher/iStock/Thinkstock

• February 22 – Family Life Seminar with Dr. Don Winders speaking on family dynamics and how they affect our individual and collective spirituality, at Salt Lake Central SDA Church, Salt Lake City, Utah.

• February 28 through March 15 – Evangelistic series at the Heavenly Valley SDA Church, South Lake Tahoe, California.

• Late February and early March – “Tracing Footsteps of Jesus” at Provo SDA Church, Provo, Utah.

• March 1 through 29 – March Madness, Breaking the Chains that Bind Us, at Abundant Life SDA Church, Las Vegas, Nevada.

• March 3 through 7 – “Tracing the Footsteps of Jesus,” volume 1, “Jesus, the Early Years and Ministry” at the Salt Lake City library, Salt Lake City, Utah.

• March 14 through April 12 – “Revelations of Hope: Full Disclosure,” a comprehensive study of the book of Revelation at the Ogden SDA Church, Ogden, Utah.

• March 26 through 29 OR April 2 through 5 – Revival meeting with Elder Bobby Mitchell, Pacific Union Regional Ministries Coordinator, at Salt Lake Central SDA Church, Salt Lake City, Utah.

• April 8 through 12 – “Tracing the Footsteps of Jesus” volume 2, “Jesus in Galilee” at the Salt Lake City library, Salt Lake City, Utah.

• April 12 through 19 – Evangelistic Series at Nueva Esperanza Church, Salt Lake City, Utah.

• April 20 – Easter Celebration – 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Ogden Amphitheater, Ogden Utah.

• Easter week – Spanish evangelism at the Provo SDA Church, Provo, Utah.

• May 12 through 17 – “Tracing the Footsteps of Jesus,” volume 3, “Jesus, Teachings and Controversies” at the Salt Lake City library, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Please keep • June 16-21 – “Tracing all of these the Footsteps of eff orts in your Jesus” volume 4, prayers!

“Jesus, Jerusalem and

Events

The NEVADA-UTAH VIEWS is a newsletter stitched into the Recorder and is only available to Nevada-Utah Conference members.

Each conference within the Pacific Union provides a newsletter such as this in the Recorder every other month.

www.NUCadventist.com

Nevada-Utah Views

Discover Planned Giving Like many people, you may be wondering what planned giving is.

Life & Legacy Estate Planning Department

10475 Double R Boulevard Reno NV 89521 Phone: 775-322-6929 Fax: 775-322-9371

www.NUCtrust.com trust@NUCadventist.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Call or Click!â&#x20AC;?

Planned giving is a way to integrate your personal, financial and estate planning goals. The right planned gift may provide you with tax and income benefits while helping our organization further its mission.

Here are some of the most common planned gifts you can make: BEQUEST Your Will may include a gift of a specific asset, a dollar amount or a percentage of your estate to charity.

CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES AND CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUSTS These plans can provide you with lifetime income, a charitable income tax deduction and leave a nice gift to charity. If you own appreciated assets such as stock or real estate, we can help you sell those assets tax free.

LIFE ESTATE You can make a tax deductible gift of your home and remain living in it for your lifetime.

There are additional real estate sale strategies that can provide you with cash, a charitable deduction and even income.

There are many ways you may benefit from planned giving.

Contact us or visit our website today, so we may assist you in discovering the right plan for you.

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Conference

Priorities SOUTHEASTERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE

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S E V E N T H - DAY A D V E N T I S T S

Following Jesus Into Our Future

T

he following are excerpts from remarks I shared at the end of our constituency session this past October. I share it with all of you as we look forward to prayerfully and intentionally following Jesus together: The call to follow Jesus is one that we take seriously and we want to make sure that we are hearing the collective revelation that God is placing on the hearts of the people of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in this region, in North America and the world.

We as a Church have been called to a special purpose in these times. Our purpose and message is to reveal the character of God through deep adherence to the command to love God and to love our neighbors. We do this through our beliefs and our tangible responses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is our honor and privilege as members of Southeastern California Conference to serve as a part of the world Church as we collectively seek to influence and impact the world with our message.

God has placed us here, in this region, for a very particular purpose. The fact that we are here in the Inland Empire, San Diego, Desert Regions and Orange County is not an accident. God has work for us to do. God has called us here to be salt and light; hope and healing; faith and action; as well as mercy and compassion.

God has called us here to proclaim loudly the message of hope of the second coming of Jesus Christ and the reality of the Kingdom of God.

SECCADVENTIST.ORG

As we follow Jesus, we are reminded that when Jesus was on earth, He took a bowl and a basin and redefined greatness.

He was God with dusty, dirty feet and every step He took was a step of love, healing and wholeness. Our churches and schools are called to move beyond their Sandra Roberts, walls and into SECC President the geographic locations of their calling.

Following Him means getting our feet dirty with the dust of Southern California.

I am excited, optimistic and hopeful about our future here in Southeastern California Conference. I am full of anticipation of what can happen when we work together with all of our diversity.

It is one of our many strengths.

This diversity will continue to unite us in mission, while the expressions of that mission may be vast and varied.

Southeastern California Conference has always been a conference that values and creates space for each church, school and ministry to find its voice and mission.

The conference needs to continue to encourage, support and amplify those voices.

While always maintaining orthodoxy, we need to encourage and enable thoughtful approaches to the ever changing world around us.

I believe that we are to be a conference that must increasingly reflect the fullness of who God is, with excellence, with

• JANUARY 2014

creativity, with passion and without fear.

Without fear that our differences will pull us apart, but recognize that our differences add to the heavenly music and strengthen all of us. We can be a symphony and our region can resound with a heavenly song as we follow Jesus.

To this we have been called and placed.

We want to dream God’s dreams for our conference. This will be a step-by-step process of intentionally hearing what God is revealing to all of us. Continuing the work of Jesus in our region is not a top-down process, but a process of listening and discerning God’s dreams for us together, where every voice is valued and heard. We are committed to listening and to that end you will see us in your churches and schools. We are committed to an administration that goes beyond the walls of the conference office and into the churches and communities that we serve.

We will vision the future together.

Following Jesus into our future also means that we Continued on the final page must prayerfully and

(Right) Prayer conference attendees worship together. (Below) Michaela Lawerence, Justin Davis and Nicholas Zork provide music for the conference.

Loma Linda University Church Conducts Second Prayer Conference

M

embers of the Loma Linda University church hosted their second annual prayer conference October 11 and 12. The theme was “Lord, Teach Us to Pray.”

Several years ago Anita Roberts, volunteer prayer coordinator for LLUC, began meeting with individuals within the church who were excited about prayer. They formed a prayer ministry team.

Also about that time, Roberts met with Joseph Kidder, associate professor of Christian ministry at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, and talked with him about the power of prayer as it pertains to the church. They became excited at the prospect of the Loma Linda University church hosting a prayer conference, and he agreed to speak.

More than 450 people attended last year’s prayer conference. This year the team wanted to build

on the momentum from last year. They met for almost three months before the conference was scheduled to take place, designating the first 30 minutes of every meeting exclusively to prayer.

“This couldn’t have been done if not for the prayer team that God has brought together,” says Roberts. “They are people who first and foremost are so passionate about prayer.”

This year’s conference included a Friday night worship program in the sanctuary and emphasis on prayer during the Sabbath school program. After church and lunch, five breakout sessions met in different rooms throughout the church campus, and the conference ended with

an evening program in the sanctuary.

Guest speaker was Jon Paulien, dean of the School of Religion at Loma Linda University. Although he has a scholarly background, he spoke about how accessible prayer is to every individual.

During his final presentation he told the congregation about the joy he has personally found in prayer, inviting his hearers to do the same.

The music during the conference also cultivated an attitude of prayer. Nicholas Zork, songwriter and recording artist from New York, was the worship leader.

He was joined by Michaela Lawrence Jeffrey, chaplain for Advent House, at the University of Tennessee, and Justin Davis, a songwriter and worship leader based in Georgia.

The breakout sessions on Sabbath afternoon provided more focused topics for attendees to explore. Individuals were able to attend two of their choosing.

Presenter Debra Banks, a member of the Mt. Rubidoux church in Riverside, led a session entitled “Triumph Through Tragedy Through Prayer.”

LLUC member Ritchie Pruehs, a child and family therapist, used his past

(Left) The prayer conference drew large crowds. (Above) Jon Paulien, dean of the school of religion at Loma Linda University, invites attendees to find joy in prayer. (Below) Randy Roberts, senior pastor of LLUC, and wife Anita Roberts, prayer conference coordinator, welcome attendees.

SECCADVENTIST.ORG

• JANUARY 2014

Perris Spanish Members Take a Water Walk

T

oday the people of Africa face 3.4 million deaths a year from water-related diseases. With this in mind, members of the Perris Spanish church decided to “take a walk in their shoes.” Organized by their missions team, they walked to a water source to experience the distance many Africans travel to obtain water for their families’ needs.

On Sunday, September 22, a group of 21 people, ranging in age from 12 to 54, hiked the North Etiwanda Preserve Falls Trail in Rancho Cucamonga. Upon reaching the top of the trail, the participants absorbed the beauty of a small waterfall. Then, in order to have a similar experience to

(Left) Participants take a break by the soothing water. (Right) Participants brought and filled water bottles to experience how others get water for themselves and their families.

that of people who have to walk miles to their nearest water source, some with containers weighing more than 40 pounds when full, they filled the many bottles they had brought along.

The group raised more than $200 during the Water Walk, more than enough to buy a biosand water filter for family of six in Zambia.

When asked about the motivation behind the Water Walk, the event’s organizer and youth missions director, Jessica Gonzalez, responded, “I did the walk because I really wanted to take into consideration what others have to go through to get something we take for granted.”

Because the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists had set aside September 22 as this year’s Let’s Move Day, the walk participants were able not only to take a step toward understanding life in Africa, but also to take a step toward bettering their own health. The participants walked 3.22 miles with a 8.4 percent incline. By the end of the day most had surpassed the recommended number of 10,000 steps a day.

The small group from the Perris Spanish church may have not changed

experience as a pastor to lead a session entitled “How to Pray for an Hour Without Losing Your Mind.” Dan Matthews, pastor of senior care at LLUC, led a session entitled “Prayer Partners.”

New to this year’s conference were the Prayer Opportunity Partner tents.

Organizers invited nine ministries to set up tents outside the sanctuary. Attendees were encouraged to stop by any of these tents on Sabbath and pray for these ministries, which included Advent Hope, the Loma Linda University campus chaplain’s office and UReach.

Also building on last year’s prayer conference, children were invited to participate by way of a program designed

especially for them. At the end of the prayer conference, those in attendance were encouraged to take cutouts of children’s footprints and commit to praying for those children for the next year.

The conference ended with an anointing service. Pastors were given the opportunity to pray over those with spiritual, emotional or physical sicknesses.

People lined up in the church aisles and were led to someone on the pastoral team who listened to them and prayed with them.

Roberts received positive responses to the conference from local people as well as some who were far away.

(Above) Water Walker participants pose for a group picture. (Below) The group excitedly shows off their filled bottles they carried back.

either the world or their health habits in one day, but they were able to ignite a small flame in their hearts of desire for change. They plan to hold more events such as this in the hope of raising awareness of epidemics in the world—as well as in the hope of remaining active.

By Jocelyn Fay with Beth Pezo

“From our church alone, I received countless notes and emails,” says Roberts.

“But I clearly remember one from former members of our church sending thanks for the opportunity to experience the prayer conference.”

These former Loma Linda University church members now live in the Washington, D.C. area. They were grateful that the entire conference had been broadcast and told of how hugely blessed they had been.

Roberts says that next year, even more invitations will go out to churches, and prayer teams will be invited to participate.

By keeping prayer first, next year promises to bring even more blessings.

By Mario Munoz

intentionally make difficult administrative decisions when it comes to priorities, funding and personnel. There are times when decisions will have to be made based on priorities and values that we have identified through a step-by-step process. We are willing to make those tough decisions, as long as they are based on our highest standard of following Jesus. We will

Continued from the first page

make mission-driven decisions.

Christ will always be our anchor point as we pray through the difficult responsibilities administrators are often called to carry out. We covet your prayers, understanding and graciousness. These will always be our greatest assets as we seek to follow Jesus in our leadership.

We will begin the process of discerning our future together by listening. We will keep asking questions, keep dialoguing

together, keep evaluating information and planning together.

We will prayerfully, intentionally and collaboratively go through a process together of discerning how we can, in our time and in this place, cultivate and grow the work that God has for us, His church.

God is at work! We will follow Him step-by-step.

By Sandra Roberts, SECC President

te Pine Springs Ranch Upda director

Dec. 4, 2013

p

From the desk of Carmen Ibañez, cam

build A Time to Re r the heavens:...a time ything, and a season for every activity unde “There is a time for ever down and a time to build...” (Ecclesiastes 3). to plant and a time to uproot,...a time to tear

The last few months have been challenging, but not without glimpses of hope for Pine Springs Ranch. We have had several Sunday’s where volunteers have donated their time and energy to help clean up the devastation left by the fire and floods.

It has been heartwarming to see the love and support of those who have been able to volunteer.

With the help of our volunteers, we have been able to dig out all the mud around the Nature Center and Church Bowl. We filled around 2,000 sandbags with the dirt from these two areas. The fire left many dead trees and brush, and the volunteers have been removing the debris from the camp. The camp has saved thousands of dollars because of the individuals who feel a passion for the ministry that happens at PSR. They have done the work that is not

covered by our insurance and have helped beautify the camp. The work and sacrifice of the volunteers is something that we, the PSR staff, believes is priceless.

Since October preparations have been made to rebuild the sewer plant that was destroyed in the fire.

Construction and rebuilding has since commenced and is coming along.

This is vital as the county health department will not let PSR open for retreats and guests unless the sewer plant is functioning. We, the

SOUTHEASTERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE

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staff of PSR, hope that the rebuilding will not take too long so that we can be operational very soon.

We are r eage to have guests back at the camp.

We long to continue the ministry that God has blessed us with. Building projects almost always come with unwanted and unforeseen surprises, yet we maintain hope that our ministry here can soon be lived out again.

Please continue to keep PSR staff and the rebuilding process in your prayers.

S E V E N T H - D AY A D V E N T I S T S

11330 PIERCE STREET • RIVERSIDE, CA 92505-3303 • 951.509.2200 •

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S A N D R A R O B E R T S , P R E S I D E N T • J O N AT H A N P A R K , S E C R E TA R Y • V E R LO N S T R A U S S , T R E A S U R E R CONFERENCE PRIORITIES • ENNO MÜLLER, EDITOR SECCADVENTIST.ORG

• JANUARY 2014

In This Issue January 2014 Ebenezer Company Organized Young People Take 500 Sleeping Bags to L. A.’s Homeless Evangelism

When We Think Larry L. Caviness President

God Isn’t Listening…

E

arly one week, Elder James Lee, our conference vice president, received a phone call from a desperate single mother. She had lost her job and was now unable to continue paying tuition for her child at the Adventist school.

Sobbing, she poured out her story.

“Please help me, Elder Lee. I must keep my daughter in that school. It is the only safe place for her to be.”

The school she referenced had allocated all available funds for scholarships and there was no more to help this frantic mother. “What will I do?” she asked.

No doubt the prayers of many other parents ascend to God for similar help.

Current economic woes are bringing families to desperate situations. Though our schools do not want to lose even one student, the financial obligations they carry must be met as well. Teacher salaries, school utility bills, facility upkeep, etc. all demand payment. School administrators join with parents in petitioning God for help to know how to keep the school doors open for God’s children.

This now jobless mother again appealed to Elder Lee and asked, “Is there any way possible to keep my daughter in school?

Through Elder Lee’s mind raced thoughts of gratitude for God’s perfect timing. He recalled how in October, 2013, the conference received a $200,000 check for the very school where this mother’s daughter attended. However, those funds were quickly allocated to scholarships for other students—before this mother’s need was realized.

Though those funds could not help this mother now, God’s mercy still lingered. With joy, Elder Lee explained that just the previous week—two months after receiving the check for $200,000— the same anonymous donor had been impressed to send yet another check— this time for $300,000—for extended scholarship support of students in the same school.

The school benefitting from these donations is blessed. But what about all the other schools that continue to face similar challenges? Who will be their donors? Will Adventist Education survive the economic trauma now facing our state and nation?

As this new year begins, please join me in praying for Adventist education.

Perhaps God will guide each of us—as He did the donor mentioned above—in knowing how much we can sacrifice for our schools and churches.

As we begin a new year, let’s begin with thankful hearts for His blessings past and a strong faith in His help for the future. And may God bless us—every one—so that we may bless others in return.

“Behold, Jehovah’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither is His ear heavy, that it cannot hear.”

– Isaiah 59:1

This mother’s prayers were answered.

She would be able to pay half the tuition, and thankfully the donor’s gift would take care of the other half.

Southern California Conference •

E benezer C ompany

Organized

Reported by Franklin Grant

A

“

s soon as the Ebenezer Spanish Group (formerly Hollywood Spanish II) acquired a building of their own in August, 2011,” said Pastor Franklin Grant, “we started working to become a company.

By God’s grace, we reached our goal in September, 2013.”

A special celebration marked the event, starting on Wednesday, September 18, with a special thanksgiving prayer meeting with the theme, “Let us advance to the end, with our eyes fixed on Jesus.”

Elder Oscar Garcia, pastor of the Hollywood Spanish church, was the speaker. On Friday evening, Pastor Luis Peña, Hispanic Region director, gave the address. At the Sabbath morning service, Pastor Velino Salazar presented the message, and SCC President Larry L. Caviness was the

featured speaker for the afternoon organization service. Special guests included Councilman Bernard Parks from the Los Angeles 8 District; the Carson Spanish Church choir and soloist Maritzela Barakat.

Councilman Bernard Parks brought special greetings to the congregation, congratulating members and leaders on their new company status and presented a certificate on behalf of the City of Los Angeles.

As Ebenezer Board members look on, Pastor Franklin Grant gives a congratulatory hug (center) to Lidia Basilio for her many years of faithfulness as head deaconess.

Photo by Carlos Vasquez

During 2013, eight baptisms helped the Ebenezer Spanish Company reach its present membership total of 109. Ebenezer members worship at 1900 West 48th Street in Los Angeles.

Young People Take 500 Sleeping Bags to L. A.’s Homeless

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or three months, young people and pastors from three different Hispanic Region churches planned an outreach event that would take place on Skid Row November 30, 2013. “Saved people serve”— that was the call by Associate Pastor Javier Casas to young people in the Central Spanish church the Friday night before the event. The plan was simple: Have an outreach event on Skid Row with a praise band, hand out hundreds of sleeping bags and have young people experience gift of giving.

Once permits and church permissions were obtained, promotion began. This was the third outreach event that the ministry SAVED would do and the churches were excited.

• Southern California Conference

by Daniel Castañaza The invitation for donated sleeping bags reached beyond San Fernando Spanish, Spanish American, and Central Spanish churches. Lynwood Spanish, Maranata (Norwalk) Spanish, South Gate, Resurrection and even Perris Spanish from Southeastern California Conference joined in to contribute to the cause. The SCC Federacion de Jovenes (Youth Federation) also decided to contribute and prepared small bags filled with toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo and toothbrushes.

On the morning of the event, the call was to “live your convictions.” These churches firmly believe that the gospel is not being shared in its totality when service and outreach are neglected.

After a brief worship time, volunteers

from six churches headed over to San Julian Park in Los Angeles. Once the 20 ft. long truck was parked, the praise team plugged in and all 250 young people were talking with the residents.

The results were beyond anything the young people could have imagined.

Smiles that resulted when a small child was handed a sleeping bag were priceless. The joy we received when some residents of Skid Row asked to take the microphone so that they could praise God for His wonders was unequaled. The mission of service instilled in the young people of these churches will last a lifetime.

One woman approached Brian Campos, associate pastor, Spanish American church. “I thank you for the

opportunity you give us to praise our God,” she said.

churches with a new outlook on ministry that involves service as a lifestyle, not as events on a calendar.

Throughout the event the young people mingled with After the event, residents, prayed with them neighborhood Councilman and spoke to them about God’s Wendell Blassingame, who had love. “We don’t want them to assisted in acquiring permits read a tract about God’s love,” and no-ticket parking, took the said Javier Casas, associate Many young people had the opportunity to experience true service. The time to thank each person who pastor, San Fernando Spanish Central Spanish church also sent a team to prepare a hot breakfast for had helped make this event church; “we want them to hundreds during the holiday week. a reality. “I hope this isn’t see God’s love through our and 100 goodie bags were gifted to the the last time we see ya’all here!” he actions.” That is exactly what happened. residents of Skid Row. The entire event challenged.

By the end of the event more than at San Julian Park lasted just under 500 sleeping bags had been handed out three hours. Many returned to their

Churches Collaborate,

Feeding 700 People on Skid Row

O

Reported by Pastor Michael Jenkins

n Thanksgiving eve, nine churches collaborated in reaching out to homeless people living on L. A.’s Skid Row. For the second year, Michael Jenkins, pastor of the Breath of Life church and Youth & Young Adult Ministries Coordinator for Greater Los Angeles Region, led out in planning and organizing the event.

“We fed close to 700 people a traditional Thanksgiving meal,” he reported. “We also provided blankets, clothing, Bibles and Many volunteers had never been to Skid Row and were shocked to see so many homeless persons lining up literature and hygiene kits consisting for the meal. They made commitments to help out next year. of soap, toothbrushes/toothpaste, deodorant, and some feminine leave there feeling blessed for what you appreciative and respectful. It was products. All items were donated by do have and thankful that you were able awesome to see hundreds of people members of the participating churches. to be a blessing to someone else. standing in line patiently waiting their turn. We had plenty of food. Next year “We even brought out a huge sound “We had many volunteers. It is we need more blankets and hygiene system and blasted Gospel music, thrilling to see my church family do kits. Those went faster than everything which added to the positive vibe of ministry outside of the church walls. else.” the evening. It felt more like a huge After serving, those who came out to fellowship gathering!

Participating churches included: volunteer couldn’t stop talking about University, Breath of Life, Tamarind, how blessed they were.

Many shared For those driving into the area Miramonte, Rolling Hills, Normandie their experience on Facebook and for the first time, the area is quite thanked God for the blessings that they Ave., Smyrna, Berean, Altadena and shocking. “Serving the homeless Norwalk. have taken for granted in their own population in Los Angeles puts life in lives. perspective,” Jenkins reflected. “No matter what’s going on in your life, you “Those we served were very Southern California Conference •

SCC Evangelism Four re:connect Seminar Training Sessions Planned for 1st Quarter

In 2014, we are continuing to schedule re:connect James G. Lee, Jr. seminars in churches in our regions. The following Vice President Evangelism director seminars have been scheduled: Re:connect and Personal Ministries directors, please note on your calendar the date for the seminar location nearest you: Jan. 25 2014, All day, at the Ridgecrest Church, 555 W. Las Flores Ave. 760-375-2303 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Gerard Kimeney, SCC re:connect coordinator will speak. 3:00-5:00 p.m. – Lancaster Church, 43824 30th St.; 661-943-5725. Feb. 1 3:00-4:30 p.m.

– Camarillo Church, 3975 Las Posas Rd.; 805-482-4632. Mar. 1, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. – Smyrna Church, 4394 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles 90016; 323-732-4464. Mar. 8, 3:00-4:30 p.m. – Hollydale Community Church, 11801 Utah Ave., South Gate 90280; 562-633-7420

LA Metro Region

Hawthorne church, led by Elder Keith Hassinger, recently finished an Amazing Facts campaign. An average attendance of 80 persons attended, including 40 from the community. Joe Tonga served as Bible worker.

Seven persons were baptized and more are studying for future baptisms.

South Bay church, under the leadership of Elder John Gerard Kiemeney L.A. Metro Region Jenson, conducted their annual whole-food cooking director, Young Adult Ministries coordinator classes, on Tuesdays during October. During the series, nearly 500 people attended from the community. Church members mingled with participants feasting on delicious vegan recipes that members had prepared. In this mingling time, several participants expressed interest in attending church services.

El Monte church, led by Pastor Chris Famisaran, is modeling the “Shift” ministry, in which members learn to meet, mingle and minister to their local community. Recently the church conducted a “meet” Sabbath, when members went out to meet their neighbors.

Hacienda Heights church, pastored by Elder Brett Poynter, is restructuring its congregation according to a transformational model of impacting the local community for Jesus. Members are being trained and discipled.

Asian Pacific Region

Samuel Lee, Asian Pacific Region director

The Los Angeles Tongan church conducted evangelism on Sabbaths during October and November. Elder Sonotane Vunileva, the church pastor, was the evangelist.

About 20 people came from the community, in response to invitations from church members. Seven people were baptized, and more are studying.

West Region

The Santa Clarita church has joined several other SCC church in live streaming its church services using the free service, Ustream. Elder Greg Hoenes is the pastor.

In February, the Malibu group will target each home, sharing the Sabbath DVD (The Forgotten Truth). Judith Miranda is the group leader.

Richard Roethler director Beginning January, 2014, the Personal Ministries committee of the Canoga Park church plans to conduct the Thunder in the Holy Land program. DVD’s containing Bible studies will be hand delivered, following a direct mailing to the local zip code.

• Southern California Conference

Hispanic Region

A Lay Festival, held Nov. 30 at the White Memorial Church, included a graduation of 105 men and women from the School of Evangelism. Each graduate brought at least one person to Christ during 2013, with a total 191 souls to Christ. Merardo Ayala (Lincoln Luis Peña, Hispanic Hgts. Spanish church) and Lucy Masquida (Lynwood Region director Spanish church) each brought nine individuals to Christ. Graduates will utilize their evangelistic training by supporting evangelistic series in their churches. Lay people held 19 evangelistic series during the year.

Jan. 25 – Leadership training will be held for all members in leadership positions, at 3:00 p.m. at the Spanish American church.

Jan. 26 – Holy Spirit Conference. Presenters: Ismael Castillo, president, Montemorelos University; Ernest Castillo, vice president, NAD. Pastors: Rogelio Paquini, Carlos Acosta, Ruben Tenorio, Gustavo Contreras. Limited to 180 delegates. Please contact your local church pastor for a ticket. 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Location: San Gabriel Academy.

Info: 818-546-8448 Feb. 21-23 – A Laiety Retreat will be held at Pine Springs Ranch.

Ricardo Norton, who directs the Master’s Degree program which includes training for laiety at the Andrews University Seminary, will be the presenter. The purpose of the retreat will be to introduce the Seminary program for SCC laiety, training members to be Bible workers.

Participants will meet every two months for training.

Greater Los Angeles Region

Evangelism is in the air in the Greater Los Angeles Region. With all but two GLAR churches reporting, we had 227 baptisms through various evangelistic efforts in the year 2013. At least nine evangelistic efforts are planned for the 1st quarter of 2014, in churches in Los Angeles, Compton, Long Beach and Watts. This will be Anthony J. Kelly accomplished through Daniel or Revelation Seminars, GLAR director weeks of prayer and youth rallies.

Some meetings will be preceded by clothing and food giveaways, health screening, tutoring and one-on-one Bible Studies. In the Antelope Valley, two revivals are planned among the churches in that area during the 1st quarter!

SCC Literature Evangelism Testimony

Ashley Miller was knocking on doors with Bill Chapman, a part-time SCC literature evangelist, when they met a man who was interested in the healthy cookbook they offered. After they had talked for awhile, the man asked what church they were with.

“We are Seventh-day Adventists,” Bill responded.

Heidi Carpenter director To their surprise, the man said, “My sister is an Adventist!” The man shared that he was a Sabbath-keeper himself, yet he had never been inside a Seventh-day Adventist church. “After I learned about Constantine and the change of the Sabbath,” he said, “it made it difficult for me to ever worship on Sunday again.

“I have lived here for 20 years and this is the first time an Adventist has ever knocked on my door.” The man purchased the cookbook and Bill left him with a copy of Steps to Christ. When Bill also extended an invitation to him to visit the local Seventh-day Adventist church with him, the man said, “I know where the closest Adventist church is and I will try to visit soon!”